Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Noida Remove Giant Tumour from the Chest of a31 year old, in a Lifesaving Operation

Noida, June 19, 2015: A team of doctors from Fortis Hospital, Noida removed a giant Neurogenic tumour from the chest of a 31 year old patient in a lifesaving operation that lasted five hours. The neurogenic tumour,arising from nerves within the patient’s chest, had grown to an enormous size. The surgery was led byDr. Vaibhav Mishra, Senior Consultant, Cardio Thoracic & Vascular Surgery,with support from Dr. Manish Vaish, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery and Dr. Vipin Goyal, Senior Consultant, Anaesthesiology.

Mayank Nauni exhibited symptoms of severe chest pain. The diagnosis revealed a giant neurogenic tumour or Posterior mediastinal Tumour in the chest, the size of a large coconut weighing 7 kilograms. The resulting pressure, due to displacement and compression ofthe heart, major blood vessels and the food pipe,was intense as the tumor pressed against these organs. Arising from a Spinal nerve root, the tumour had eroded the vertebral body.

Posterior Mediastinal tumours are extremely uncommon and can be hereditary or caused by developmental malformations. They usually occur in patients aged 30 to 50 years, but can develop at any age.Mediastinal tumors can be benign or cancerous growing in the area of the chest that separates the lungs. This area, called the mediastinum, is surrounded by the breastbone in front, the spine at the back, and the lungs on each side. Surgery in such cases is extremely challenging particularly if the patient has a muscular built. Other concomitant risks arising from the tumour include damage to major structures like the heart, aorta, food pipe and spinal cord as the tumor adheres to these structures. The expertise of the doctors was evident as no blood transfusion was required by the patient during the surgery.

Dr. Vaibhav Mishra, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardio-Thoracic & Vascular Surgery,said, “These tumors are quite rare, and when they are of this size, they are termed Giant Schwannomas. The biggest challenge is to remove them completely, without causing collateral damage to neighboring organs. Despite the odds, we were able to remove the tumor successfully minimizing the chances of any recurrence.”

“The tumor was arising from one of the nerves originating from the spinal cord. It was eroding the vertebral column and if not removed in time,it could have led to major complications including compression of vital structures, nerve palsy, malignant changes, extreme weakness orparalysis of the lower limbs.” said Dr. Manish Vaish, Senior Consultant, Neuro Surgery.

Mr. Gagan Sehgal, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Noida , said, “Such an operation requires tremendous expertise and great teamwork. We are confident of treating such complex cases and hope to continue to offer newer and better clinical modalities with predictable outcomes and high success rates.”

Expressing his gratitude Mayank Nauni said, “I was seriously unwell and am eternally grateful to the doctors for giving me a second lease of life.”

Research reveals that five out of 41 (12%) patients have neurogenic tumors. Intra-thoracic neurogenic tumors occur predominantly in the mediastinum (90%). It is often impossible to establish the benign or malignant nature of these tumors, prior to surgery. Therefore, a wide surgical resection remains the cornerstone of such treatment and often requires the co-operative efforts of a multidisciplinary team of thoracic, plastic, and neurosurgeons. CCI Newswire