Dubai doctors remove huge tumor in girl in ground-breaking surgery

DUBAI (MNTV) – In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at Dubai’s Medcare Hospital Al Safa have successfully removed a massive scalp tumor from a five-year-old Arab girl, believed to be one of the largest of its kind ever recorded. 

The tumor, which measured 20 cm by 10 cm—roughly the size of a watermelon—was the result of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a rare genetic disorder known to cause benign tumors and seizures.

The surgery, led by consultant plastic surgeon Dr. Jamil Al Jamali, marks a significant milestone in pediatric surgical care, according to Gulf News. 

Tuberous Sclerosis Complex affects approximately one million people globally, with around one in every 6,000 children born each year diagnosed with the condition. In this young patient’s case, the tumor severely impacted her quality of life. 

First appearing as a small lump at the age of one, it gradually grew into a large lesion that became ulcerated and prone to bleeding, posing a high risk of infection.

The physical burden was compounded by emotional and social distress. The child experienced significant hair loss and discomfort, which led to social withdrawal, inability to attend school, and an overall decline in her mental well-being.

Following comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including CT and MRI scans to assess potential intracranial involvement, surgery was deemed the only viable course of action. 

“It was heartbreaking to see how much her condition had affected her life at such a young age,” said Dr. Al Jamali. “Our primary objective was to not only remove the tumor but also reconstruct the scalp in a way that allowed for natural hair regrowth and restored her self-esteem.”

The surgical team employed a precise and innovative local flap reconstruction technique to excise the tumor and restore the affected area. 

The procedure was completed without complications and with minimal hair loss, enabling both a cosmetic and functional recovery.

The child responded remarkably well to the surgery. Her seizures are now being managed with medication, and the surgical site has fully healed. 

Her hair has begun to grow naturally, and she has resumed a normal life, including attending school and engaging socially with her peers—milestones that were previously unimaginable.

Dr. Hussam Mohamad Al Trabulsi, consultant general surgeon and medical director of Medcare Hospital Al Safa, commended the efforts of the surgical team. “We take immense pride in our ability to transform lives through expert, compassionate care,” he said.

The girl’s parents, who have chosen to remain anonymous, expressed deep gratitude for the life-changing impact of the procedure. 

“To see her laugh, play, and live pain-free is something we once thought impossible. We are profoundly thankful to Dr. Jamil and the entire team for giving our daughter a new lease on life,” said her father.