Lemon-Sized Tumour Removed from Woman's Heart at Delhi Hospital

A 27-year-old woman with a large lemon-sized cardiac tumour, a fragment of which caused a stroke by travelling to her brain, has been successfully treated at a private hospital. The surgery took place at Max Hospital, Patparganj, when Rakhi, a mother of two, arrived with severe headache, vomiting, altered sensorium, and prolonged numbness, according to the hospital's statement.

Dr Vaibhav Mishra, Director and Head of CTVS Cardiac Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, who performed the surgery, explained that during Rakhi's evaluation, they found a tumour about the size of a large lemon in one of her heart chambers. "A fragment of this tumour had broken away, travelled to her brain and caused a blockage, resulting in a stroke," Mishra said.

Minimally Invasive Procedure

Instead of conventional open-heart surgery, Dr Mishra's team opted for a minimally invasive scarless procedure. This involved making a small 5 cm incision in the right chest without cutting the ribs. This approach aimed to reduce recovery time and minimise scarring.

The condition known as embolization occurs when a solid substance detaches from its parent tumour and lodges in another organ, most commonly the brain. This was the case for Rakhi, leading to her stroke symptoms.

Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr Vivek Kumar, Senior Director of Neuro Sciences, initially treated Rakhi for her stroke. He emphasised the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis. "Due to the intervention, the patient's weakness improved significantly, and she made a full recovery. The total excision of the tumour prevents any further strokes," Kumar said.

The patient arrived with symptoms of a stroke, which is particularly uncommon in young individuals, especially women. Recognising the rarity of such an occurrence at her age led to comprehensive diagnostics that revealed the tumour.

Rakhi was discharged on the fourth day after surgery. Her successful treatment marked a significant victory for both the medical team and her family.

The hospital's statement highlighted that Rakhi's case underscores the importance of timely medical intervention and advanced surgical techniques in treating complex conditions effectively.