Gurugram hospital removes football-sized tumour from African woman’s abdomen

A massive 9.1 kg cancerous abdominal tumour, measuring 35x20x30 cm, was successfully removed from the abdomen of a 55-year-old African woman at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

According to a Fortis doctor, the patient had endured abdominal pain for 6-7 months. Dr Amit Javed, Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, led the team in removing the tumour, which was compressing multiple vital organs and “was hanging like a football from the abdomen.”

The patient had previously sought treatment in several African hospitals but was denied surgery due to the tumour’s size, location, and associated risks. Upon her admission to Fortis Gurugram, a CT angiography and a PET scan were performed, revealing a large vascular tumour within the abdomen. Due to its size, the tumour was compressing crucial structures, including the kidneys and urinary pathways, making it challenging to identify its point of origin.

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Despite the complexities, the doctors proceeded with the surgery. The operation took nearly three hours, and, remarkably, the patient was discharged in a stable condition after just four days.

Dr Javed described the surgery as highly challenging, particularly due to the tumour’s size and indeterminate origin. “Post-surgery, we identified that the tumour had arisen from the stomach wall,” he explained, noting that such tumours are typically gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST), a rare form of cancer originating in the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr Javed added, “Had it been left untreated, the patient could have faced severe health issues from the compression of essential organs. Bleeding, a common complication with such tumours, could have been life-threatening given its size. Fortunately, we were able to remove it before any massive bleeding occurred. The patient is now doing well and has recovered.”

Yash Rawat, Facility Director of Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, acknowledged the tumour’s extensive size and weight as challenging factors. “Our team, led by Dr Javed, approached it with exceptional skill,” he said, emphasising that Fortis Hospital Gurugram’s clinical expertise and top-tier care are focused on saving lives and ensuring improved outcomes in complex cases.

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