Therapy for intracranial neoplasms requires a specialist with extensive experience and high qualifications. In Israeli clinics, there are precisely such doctors — every neurosurgeon here has many years of clinical practice. Typically, the diagnostic process is completed within a few days, thanks to the availability of modern equipment in the clinics.
The doctors at Top Ihilov have immense experience in the surgical and radiosurgical removal of neuromas, paying special attention to preserving the facial and auditory nerves during surgical interventions to ensure a high quality of life for the patient after the course of therapy.
Treatment Methods for Acoustic Neuroma in Israel
Acoustic neuroma is a benign intracranial neoplasm consisting of the cells that form the myelin sheath of neurons. As one of the types of schwannoma, the neuroma is formed from Schwann cells (supporting cells of nerve tissue responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers).
Several thousand such diseases are diagnosed annually, and the incidence of these tumours has been increasing recently. A typical patient is between 30 and 60 years old, and the tumour forms spontaneously, with no family history of neuroma.
The main symptoms include progressive and unexplained hearing loss in one ear (over 90% of patients), tinnitus (over 80% of patients), and vestibular disturbances (about 50% of patients). Typically, the first symptom is hearing deterioration associated with organic changes in the inner ear and impaired conduction of the auditory nerve's nerve signal. The deterioration of hearing perception of high-frequency sounds is particularly pronounced. Hearing loss progresses very slowly, although there are cases of sudden hearing loss. Other symptoms may include facial nerve paresis related to the compressive effect of the neoplasm, as well as chronic headaches.
The main treatment methods are microsurgical resection of the tumour and radiotherapy.
- Surgery
The goal of the intervention is to ensure control over the tumour and preserve the function of the nerves involved in the pathological process. Special attention is paid to preserving hearing function. A microsurgical operation is performed — from subtotal resection to total resection. Subtotal microsurgical removal is indicated if complete resection cannot be performed due to high risks (for example, if the tumour tissue is so close to the facial nerve that it cannot be removed without damaging the nerve). In most cases, about 1% of the tumour tissue remains after subtotal intervention, which is sufficient to completely alleviate symptoms with a low risk of recurrence (no more than 3% of cases). The most complete removal occurs with total resection.
Today, several types of surgical access have been developed, each selected based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the localization of the neoplasm. Regardless of the type of access, monitoring of the functions of the facial and auditory nerves is conducted during the operation to exclude accidental damage.
- Radiotherapy
Modern stereotactic radiosurgery systems are used for radiotherapy. The radiation dose can be delivered at once or through several fractions (from 3 to several dozen). The procedure does not require anesthesia or hospitalization. Under the influence of radiation, the tumour cells die and are destroyed, allowing for control over the neoplasm. This type of therapy is best suited for small neuromas measuring less than 2.5-3 centimeters that are not located in close proximity to the brainstem tissues.
The Top Ihilov center operates the latest stereotactic systems designed for precise radiosurgical procedures. One such system is called CyberKnife and is the modern standard for treating primary neoplasms of the head and neck, including the brain.
The best subjective assessment of how effectively acoustic neuroma treatment is conducted in Israel is the reviews found in various open sources. In them, patients who have returned home from Israeli clinics note the unparalleled quality of physician training and innovative therapy methods.
Diagnosis of Acoustic Neuroma in Israel
To consult with an Israeli doctor regarding your diagnosis, you do not need to wait until you step into the clinic. With a remote video consultation, you can do this today; all you need is the Skype application installed. In a video conference, you can ask the Top Ihilov specialist any questions you have and arrive in Israel already armed with the knowledge you have gained. All patients who have received a video consultation undergo an in-person consultation with a doctor for free.
First Day — Consultation
The meeting between the patient and the clinic representative traditionally takes place at the airport. The clinic representative acts as a case manager, handling the translation of medical documents, coordinating doctors, and addressing various issues related to the patient's daily life. Together with them, the patient travels to the clinic for an appointment with the specialist.
Second Day — Investigations
- Investigation of medical history and characteristic symptoms.
- MRI with gadolinium contrast (or CT).
- Hearing function tests (audiometry, etc.).
Third Day — Consultation
The conclusion regarding the final diagnosis and treatment program is made on the final day of investigations by a team of specialists forming a consultation.
Treatment of Acoustic Neuroma in Israel – Prices
The low cost of acoustic neuroma treatment in Israel is already well known to patients from various countries. For citizens of the USA or Germany, a trip to Israel allows them to save, for example, up to 40-45% compared to treatment in their home country.
Advantages of Top Ihilov
- Highly qualified specialists, well-known neurosurgeons and radiologists in Israel.
- Prompt examinations on modern equipment.
- Effective microsurgical operations, modern stereotactic radiosurgery devices.
- Personal manager-translator, attentive staff, individual selection of treatment procedures.