A 55-year-old man from Baruipur has regained the use of his left hand, though without the thumb, following a successful surgery at the state-run NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The patient was diagnosed with a rare tumour caused by a chronic infection that had manifested in an uncommon location, nearly costing him his left wrist. Doctors confirmed that the surgery was successful and the patient has been discharged. However, he will remain under rigorous follow-up due to the infection's tendency to reappear.
Understanding the Rare Condition
The condition, known as disseminated rhinosporidiosis with involvement of bone and muscle, is a chronic infection caused by the fungal parasite Rhinosporidium seeberi. While this infection typically affects the nasal passages, doctors explained that it can spread to other parts of the body, sometimes leading to rare musculoskeletal involvement such as bony destruction of the hand or feet. In this patient's case, the infection had affected the muscles and bone around the thumb of his left hand.
Patient's Medical History
The patient, who works in a cattle shed in his village, first noticed a small growth around his left thumb nearly three years ago. He initially sought treatment from local practitioners offering alternative medicine, but the tumour continued to grow. This prompted him to visit the surgery outpatient department at NRS Medical College in March. Initially, doctors suspected it to be a common tumour involving bone and soft tissue, but a tru-cut biopsy revealed that it was caused by an infection. Although benign, the tumour is known for its recurrence and can be aggressive in some cases.
Surgical Intervention and Recovery
Extensive surgery, combined with medication to prevent recurrence, is the standard treatment for this condition, said NRS surgery professor Amit Roy, who led the procedure alongside doctors Sangita Majumder and Soumendu Bhowmick. We removed the entire tumour and the affected left thumb. The patient is now on medication to prevent the tumour from returning, Roy explained. He also noted that the primary site of such infections is usually the nasal passage, from where it can spread in rare cases. The medical team consulted the ENT department, but no infection was found in the patient's nasal area.
The successful surgery has allowed the patient to regain functionality in his left hand, albeit without the thumb. Doctors emphasize the importance of continued monitoring to ensure the infection does not recur.
