In a groundbreaking medical feat, doctors in Dubai have successfully removed one of the world’s largest documented scalp tumours—a 20cm x 10cm mass—from a five-year-old Arab girl, giving her a new lease on life.
The young patient was suffering from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a rare genetic condition that triggers benign tumour growth and seizures. What began as a small bump spotted by her parents when she was just a year old escalated into a massive scalp lesion, severely affecting her physical comfort and emotional wellbeing.
The tumour caused the child intense discomfort, frequent bleeding, hair loss, and social withdrawal. She struggled with sleep, avoided social activities, and couldn’t attend school. “It was heart breaking to see how much this condition was impacting the child’s life,” said Dr. Jamil Al Jamali, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Medcare Hospital Al Safa, who led the operation. “At such a young age, no child should have to endure such pain, isolation, or be conscious about their appearance.”
Medical imaging revealed the tumour was firm, immobile, and dangerously large—far beyond the typical size of skin lesions seen in TSC cases. Surgery became the only viable option. Dr. Jamil’s team carried out a high-risk operation using a specialized local flap reconstruction technique. “The tumour was not only large but also positioned in a highly delicate spot,” he explained. “Our challenge was to excise it completely while reconstructing the scalp in a way that would allow natural hair regrowth.”
The surgery was a success, with minimal hair loss and no complications. Her healing was swift—within weeks, her scalp recovered, her hair began growing naturally, and her seizures were controlled with medication.
Her transformation has been life-changing. The once-isolated girl can now attend school and play with others without fear or shame. “Seeing her play, laugh, and live pain-free is something we thought was impossible,” her father shared. “We are extremely grateful to Dr. Jamil and the team at Medcare Hospital Al Safa for giving our daughter a second chance in life.”
Dr. Hussam Mohamad Al Trabulsi, the hospital’s Medical Director, added, “We are proud of our ability to make such life-changing impacts on all of our patients every day.”
