Gurugram: In a recent medical achievement, doctors at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, successfully removed a massive 9.1 kg cancerous abdominal tumour from a 55-year-old African woman.
The tumour, measuring 35x20x30 cm, had caused severe abdominal pain over the past six to seven months and was compressing multiple vital organs.
Prior to her treatment in Gurugram, the patient had visited multiple hospitals in Africa, but surgery was denied due to the tumour’s size, location, and associated risks.
At Fortis Gurugram, scans including a CT angiography and PET revealed a large, vascularized tumour compressing critical structures, such as the kidneys and urinary pathways, complicating the ability to determine its exact origin.
Despite the challenges, the team, led by Dr Amit Javed, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology, proceeded with surgery. The procedure lasted approximately three hours, and the patient was discharged in stable condition just four days post-surgery.
Describing the case, Dr Javed said, “The surgery was very challenging owing to the size of the tumour and also because we were not able to ascertain the origin of the tumour due to its magnitude. Post the surgery, we determined that the tumour was arising from the stomach wall – such tumours are often gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) which are rare cancers that form in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. Fortunately in this particular case, the tumour was not involving other important organs, and had it been left untreated, the patient could have had other health associated complications due to the compression of important organs. The most common complication of such tumours is bleeding, which could have been life-threatening, considering the size of this tumour. Fortunately, we were able to remove it before massive bleeding occurred. The patient is doing well and has recovered.”
Yash Rawat, Facility Director at Fortis Gurugram, added, "This case was particularly challenging due to the tumour's extensive size and weight. Nonetheless, our team of doctors, led by Dr. Amit Javed, handled it with exceptional skill. Clinical expertise and best-in-class care to manage such cases are the hallmarks of Fortis Hospital, Gurugram, and we continuously endeavour to provide the highest level of care to save lives and get improved outcomes."