A 17-year-old has undergone a life-changing operation at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) where doctors successfully removed a massive 1.9 kg tumor from his chest cavity.
Initially, the patient sought medical attention at FMRI due to experiencing typical symptoms of neck and chest pain along with fever. Following a comprehensive battery of medical tests, doctors diagnosed him with an uncommon form of tumor known as Thymolipoma. This condition involves abnormal growth of the thymus gland, which can expand and cover extensive areas within the chest and lungs.
Dr. Udgeath Dhir, who serves as the Director and Head of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS) at FMRI, explained, "Thymolipomas are a rare type of tumor composed of both fatty and thymic tissues. Despite being benign, they can reach substantial sizes and exert pressure on nearby structures, causing breathing difficulties, chest pain, and other discomforts."
A high-resolution chest CT scan revealed an exceptionally large mass occupying the majority of the chest cavity, exerting significant pressure on the lungs and heart. This compromised the full functionality of both vital organs. Recognizing the urgent need for medical intervention, the medical team embarked on a high-risk surgical procedure to extract the enormous tumor.
For this intricate surgery, the medical team made strategic incisions along the sides of the lungs, carefully minimizing potential risks associated with accessing and excising the tumor. Administering anesthesia was one of the most critical aspects of the surgery, carried out with meticulous precision due to the high risks involved, including potential heart compression and a cessation of blood circulation upon induction.
"In this specific case, the patient's quality of life had been significantly impacted by the tumor's size. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques and precise surgical planning, we successfully removed the Thymolipoma while preserving the integrity of the surrounding vital structures. The procedure required meticulous dissection and careful attention to detail, and we are pleased to report that the patient is recovering well following the surgery," Dhir stated.
He added, "Without timely treatment, patients facing such conditions may experience severe complications, including breathlessness, atrophic diaphragm muscles, and reduced lung capacity. In this instance, the chances of recurrence are minimal since we removed the entire tissue with the potential for regrowth."
