Medcare saves a 5-year-old girl from a watermelon-sized scalp tumour, one of the largest in the world
Doctors from Medcare Hospital Al Safa, successfully operated on afive year old Arab girl with a 20cm x 10cm scalp tumor—the size of a watermelon—one of the largest in recent medical history, marking an exceptional medical milestone. The child had Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic condition that can cause the growth of benign skin lesions and consequent seizures. The tumour, the largest ever documented in medical literature, had a huge impact on the child’s life, causing her discomfort, hair loss, and social isolation.
The child’s condition was unusually severe, far exceeding the typical skin tumour size of 6cm. When the girl was just a year old, her parents discovered a tiny lump on the back of her head, in addition to her severe seizures. The skin lesion had been growing since birth and was frequently ulcerated, resulting in bleeding and increased infection risk. The enormous mass not only interfered with her ability to sleep, but it also caused serious hair loss, attracting unwanted attention and making social interactions difficult. Over time, the child became more sensitive of her appearance and often avoided community activities. She was unable to go to school or socialise freely due to her developing skin tumour.
Dr. Jamil Al Jamali, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, led the complex procedure, meticulously removing the tumor and reconstructing her scalp to enable natural hair regrowth. “It was heart breaking to see how much this condition was impacting the child’s life,” stated Dr. Jamil. “At such a young age, no child should have to endure such pain, isolation, or be conscious about their appearance.”
The lesion was discovered to be firm and immobile during an examination at the hospital. The underlying skin was mostly devoid of hair. To determine intracranial extension, a CT scan and an MRI scan of the head were taken. Given the size and complexity of the tumour, surgery was the only viable option. Dr. Jamil explained that the procedure would involve the complete removal of the tumour, followed by a careful reconstruction of the affected scalp area.
“The tumour was not only large but also positioned in a highly delicate spot. “Our challenge was to excise it completely while reconstructing the scalp in a way that would allow natural hair regrowth,” explained Dr. Jamil. “We had to plan the surgery meticulously and with precision to avoid future complications and ensure a smooth recovery.”
Dr. Jamil and his team used an innovative local flap reconstruction technique to remove the tumour and restore the affected area without any complications. Remarkably the procedure was done with minimal hair loss, ensuring a full cosmetic and functional recovery.
The young girl recovered quickly and effortlessly, with her seizures under control with medications and surgery area fully healed within weeks. Her hair started growing naturally and continually, and for the first time in years, she felt comfortable in her own skin. Most significantly, she could now attend school and socialise with other children without the fear of humiliation.
Dr. Hussam Mohamad Al Trabulsi, Consultant General Surgery and the Medical Director of Medcare Hospital Al Safa stated, “We are proud of our ability to make such life-changing impacts on all of our patients every day. Our seasoned healthcare professionals are well qualified to provide excellent care, and we proactively invest in state-of-the-art medical practices and technology to cater to every patient.”
Her parents found her transformation nothing short of amazing. “Seeing her play, laugh, and live pain-free is something we thought was impossible. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Jamil and the team at Medcare Hospital Al Safa for giving our daughter a second chance in life”, said the elated father.
With her future brimming with possibilities, this young girl can finally enjoy all the pleasures of childhood, as every child deserves.
Last Updated on 4 days by PR News Desk
