The ten-hour surgery on the 49-year-old, who was initially diagnosed with stage one granular cell tumour in 2011
Doctors at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) successfully extracted a massive 9.2 kg tumour from a woman with ovarian cancer to increase her life expectancy. According to the doctors, without this intervention, the patient would not have survived beyond six months.
The ten-hour surgery on the 49-year-old, who was initially diagnosed with stage one granular cell tumour or GCT—a rare, slow-growing ovarian tumour originating from sex cord-stromal cells—is the second such intervention since her treatment began in 2011.
Doctors said the patient had initially undergone a staging laparotomy but discontinued follow-up for five years. However, she returned to the medical oncology clinic after her symptoms recurred. While the doctors tried to remove the tumour with surgery in 2017 in the gynecology department, it could not be completed due to complications.
However, in October 2024, when she came for a check-up, doctors said the patient had severe symptoms, including a substantial abdominal mass, pain, constipation, post-meal vomiting, dependence on a liquid diet, and a substantial weight reduction of 15 kg over three months.
Professor MD Ray from the Department of Oncology Surgery said there were several complications, which included anemia, and her multiple organs were affected, particularly the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. He said that the patient has recovered well, with an anticipated survival extension of at least 10 years. Following the surgery on December 2, she was discharged recently and is on her way to recovery.
What is ovarian cancer?
According to experts, ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your ovaries or fallopian tubes grow and multiply out of control. Ovaries are the female reproductive system, with two round, walnut-sized organs that make eggs during your reproductive years.
Doctors say it can develop and spread throughout your abdomen before it leads to any symptoms. This can make early detection difficult. A few signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer include:
- Pelvic or abdominal pain, discomfort, or bloating
- Changes in your eating habits, getting full early, and losing your appetite
- Vaginal discharge or abnormal bleeding
- Bowel changes like recurrent constipation or diarrhoea
- An increase in the size of your abdomen
- Peeing more often
What causes ovarian cancer?
According to doctors, even though the exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known, many women have a slightly higher risk of developing the condition due to factors like:
- Being over the age of 60
- Obesity and being overweight
- A family history of ovarian cancer
- Never being pregnant or having children later in life
- Endometriosis
- Doctors say the risk of developing ovarian cancer also grows as you age.
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