Neck neurinomas are benign tumors that arise from Schwann cells, which are responsible for producing the protective covering (myelin) around nerve fibers. The most common nerve affected by a neurinoma in the neck is the vagus nerve, although spine nerves can be involved as well. Treatment abroad includes different approaches, from observation with regular MRI scans to surgery and irradiation. On the Booking Health website you will find information about the diagnosis and therapeutic options, cost of treatment, prices in different hospitals and possible appointment dates.
Content
- "Watch and wait" approach in neck neurinomas
- Surgical treatment of neck neurinomas
- Treatment of neurinoma with stereotactic radiosurgery
Diagnosis includes clinical examination, US examination, CT scan, and MRI. Biopsy is performed in controversial cases. To start examination, leave the request on the Booking Health website.
The average cost of surgical treatment of neck neurinoma is 10,900 EUR, the minimal price is 5,100 EUR, and the maximum price is 19,600 EUR. You will find all prices on the Booking Health website.
The highest success rates are regularly demonstrated by University Hospital of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Catholic Clinic Koblenz-Montabaur, Charite University Hospital Berlin. You will find the full list of hospitals on the Booking Health website.
These are Samitivej Hospital Bangkok, St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler, Gaziosmanpasa Hospital of Yeniyuzyil University, Hospital Neuwerk Moenchengladbach, University Hospital Oldenburg.
"Watch and wait" approach in neck neurinomas
If the neck neurinoma is small, asymptomatic, and not growing rapidly, your healthcare provider may after the diagnosis recommend a "watch and wait" approach. Another term for the "watch and wait" approach is observation. Regular monitoring through MRI or other imaging tests can be done to assess the tumor's progression. Surgical treatment or other interventions may be considered if the tumor shows signs of growth on the MRI scans, if the spine is affected, or if symptoms of the disease develop.
Symptoms of the diagnosis can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Some possible complaints include presence of a palpable lump or mass in the neck, pain or discomfort, difficulty swallowing or speaking (if the tumor is compressing the vagus nerve), or sensitivity disturbances if spine nerves are involved.
Surgical treatment of neck neurinomas
Surgery is often the primary treatment for neck neurinomas, especially if the disease is causing symptoms or growing in size. The goal of surgery is to completely remove the tumor while preserving the surrounding neck nerves and spinal cord. However, the feasibility of complete removal depends on the tumor's location and its relationship with nearby structures according to the MRI scans.
Surgery can be particularly beneficial if the neck neurinoma is causing significant symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, or compression of nerves. By removing the tumor, treatment can alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life.
Surgical treatment provides immediate results in terms of tumor removal and symptom relief. Once the tumor is successfully excised, it is typically not expected to regrow, which is to be confirmed by follow-up diagnosis.
Treatment of neurinoma with stereotactic radiosurgery
In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat the diagnosis. It can be considered if the tumor is in a difficult-to-reach location according to the MRI scan or if a patient has contraindications. Radiation therapy involves targeting high-energy beams at the tumor to shrink or destroy it. This treatment option is often used for tumors that are small or slow-growing.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive treatment approach that uses precisely targeted radiation to treat diseases, including neck neurinomas. Despite its name, stereotactic radiosurgery does not involve actual surgery. Instead, it uses highly focused radiation beams to deliver a concentrated dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
Stereotactic radiosurgery relies on advanced imaging techniques, such as CT scans or MRI, to precisely locate the tumor and map its boundaries. This allows minimizing damage to nearby healthy tissues. Despite higher prices, the procedure is widely used during treatment abroad.
The Booking Health team will help you choose a hospital for diagnosis and treatment of neurinoma, as well as arrange your treatment abroad. In addition, the cost of treatment will be the same as for the country citizens, as you will not have any fees for foreigners. Contact Booking Health via the "Treatment request" form.
Authors:
The article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova and Dr. Sergey Pashchenko. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Sources:
National Library of Medicine
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