Dehradun: A team of surgeons at Sant Mahant Indiresh Hospital (SMIH), Patel Nagar, Dehradun, recently removed a rare, football-sized breast tumour weighing 12.5 kg from a 35-year-old woman, in a case doctors say underscores the dangers of ignoring seemingly minor breast lumps.
Surgery Details
The four-hour surgery was led by Dr Nilkamal Kumar, head of the hospital’s department of breast surgery. The patient recovered well after the operation and was discharged three days later.
Patient's Journey
According to Dr Kumar, the woman had initially developed a small lump in her breast and sought treatment locally. However, fear, hesitation and a lack of awareness delayed her visit to a specialist. During this period, she also tried homeopathic and Ayurvedic remedies, but the lump continued to grow rapidly, eventually developing into a giant tumour roughly the size of a football.
As the tumour enlarged, it began affecting the woman’s quality of life. She experienced breathing difficulties, persistent pain, sleep disturbances and increasing difficulty performing routine daily activities. The condition also left her reluctant to attend social gatherings and uncomfortable in public.
Diagnosis: Phyllodes Tumour
Doctors later diagnosed the growth as a Phyllodes tumour, a rare fibroepithelial tumour that develops in the breast’s connective tissue, or stroma, and is known for its rapid growth. “It is not possible to determine whether the tumour is malignant based solely on its size or an initial examination. Its true nature can only be confirmed through a biopsy,” Dr Kumar said.
He added that one of the biggest challenges associated with Phyllodes tumours is their tendency to recur locally. “Timely diagnosis, specialist care, appropriate surgery and regular follow-up are crucial to reducing the risk of recurrence and ensuring better long-term outcomes,” he said.
Key Takeaway
The case, doctors noted, serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking timely medical attention for breast lumps and other unusual changes, regardless of their initial size.
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