Dubai: Filipina’s life saved after tennis ball-sized tumour removed from brain

Dubai: In a life-saving brain surgery at a hospital in Dubai, a tumour nearly the size of a tennis ball was successfully removed, saving the life of a Filipino woman.

Jovelyn Sison Omes, a 41-year-old healthcare assistant at a clinic in Dubai, underwent life-saving brain surgery at Aster Hospital, Mankhool. She had been experiencing severe headaches, nausea, double vision and a full-body seizure – alarming symptoms that prompted immediate medical evaluation.

Upon her admission on November 27, 2024, scans revealed a large, non-cancerous brain tumour on the right side of her brain, known as a falcine meningioma. The tumour had grown across the centre of her brain to the opposite side, causing swelling and pressure on critical brain areas, leading to a condition called cerebral edema and mass effect.

Dr Prakash Nair, Consultant Neurosurgeon, compared the tumour’s size to that of a tennis ball. Despite a medical history of asthma and high cholesterol, Omes was not on any regular medications. Her symptoms included persistent headaches, a seizure with tongue bite, temporary confusion, and a brief episode of double vision. She did not report limb weakness or trauma.

On November 28, Dr Nair and his team performed a complex brain surgery on Omes to remove the tumour located near a critical brain region responsible for limb movement. The patient was placed under general anaesthesia, and the surgical team accessed the tumour through four small openings in the skull.

Using advanced tools, including a state-of-the-art microscope and ultrasonic aspirator (CUSA), the team performed a Simpson Grade 1 resection, meaning the tumour and its roots were entirely removed, significantly lowering the risk of recurrence. Bleeding was controlled without the need for transfusion, and the skull was reconstructed with precision.

Following surgery, Omes was transferred to the ICU and weaned off ventilator support within 24 hours. A follow-up scan confirmed complete tumour removal with no complications. She was mobilised the next day, resumed eating normally within hours, and responded well to physiotherapy. Discharged on December 5, she made a full recovery with no neurological issues.

Dr Nair noted the case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and advanced neurosurgical care.

“The tumour was located in a challenging area near vital brain structures, but we were able to remove it completely without causing any damage,” said Dr Nair, who led the surgery. “In cases of Simpson Grade 1 resection, the recurrence rate after 10 years is less than 9 per cent, which is extremely promising for the patient’s long-term prognosis.”

Falcine meningiomas make up about 9 per cent of all intracranial meningiomas and are more common in women, with a two- to three-fold higher occurrence than in men. These tumours are typically diagnosed more often with increasing age. In this case, the tumour’s fibroblastic subtype added to the complexity of the condition.

Omes expressed her deep gratitude to Dr Nair and the medical team.
“I’m incredibly thankful to Dr Nair and the entire team for saving my life. I had been suffering from debilitating symptoms, but today, I’m pain-free, seizure-free, and back to work. As a healthcare worker, I urge everyone not to ignore warning signs. Early intervention truly saved my life, and I hope my story encourages others to seek help when something doesn’t feel right.”

With follow-up imaging confirming a successful outcome and no neurological deficits, Omes is expected to lead a full and healthy life.