Apollo Medics Hospital Achieves Major Surgical Milestone, Removes Football-Sized Tumor from Patient's Liver

Apollo Medics Super Specialty Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by successfully removing a football-sized neuroendocrine tumor weighing approximately 3 kilograms from a patient's liver. The surgery, led by Dr. Ashish Mishra, Senior Consultant in Liver Transplant and HPB Surgery, involved the removal of four tumors in a single extensive and challenging operation.  

Dr. Ashish Mishra stated, "This is one of the largest neuroendocrine tumors ever removed in the country and the state. Such tumors grow to immense sizes because their symptoms appear late. Even after symptoms appeared, the patient spent a long time visiting various hospitals for treatment. The tumor posed a severe risk to the patient's life, as further delay could have made surgery impossible due to its potential spread."

The patient had been seeking treatment for over two years across multiple hospitals but was unable to receive care due to the tumor's size and complexity. Initially, the patient had a 2 cm neuroendocrine tumor in the rectum, which later metastasized to the liver, forming three large tumors, the largest measuring 27-28 cm.

Neuroendocrine tumors are extremely rare, developing in hormone-producing cells, and are challenging to diagnose. They occur in only 1-2 out of every 1,000 people and are more common in individuals aged 40-50 years. In this case, the patient had no history of common cancer risk factors like alcohol, smoking, or tobacco use.

Due to its large size, the tumor exerted pressure on surrounding organs such as the kidneys, stomach, and intestines. This caused severe difficulty in eating, persistent abdominal pain, and the sensation of a football-like mass in the 

abdomen. The tumor originated in the rectum, gradually grew, and eventually reached the liver. If left untreated, it could have spread throughout the liver, leading to liver failure and necessitating a liver transplant.

Despite the tumor's size, which damaged nearby organs, the symptoms only became apparent at a later stage. Dr. Mishra's team successfully removed all four tumors in a single surgery, an approach that typically requires two separate procedures. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Apollo Medics, establishing it as a leader in advanced medical care.

The patient recovered quickly post-surgery and was discharged within 7-8 days. Although the patient had experienced significant weight loss before the surgery, they are now gradually regaining weight, eating normally, and improving their overall health.  

Dr. Mishra remarked, "Our team successfully completed a complex and challenging surgery. Removing four large tumors in one operation is a remarkable achievement that showcases our hospital's expertise and high standards. Even after removing a significant portion of the liver, the remaining liver continued to function well. This is one of the largest neuroendocrine tumors removed from the liver, accomplished in a single surgery."  

Dr. Mayank Somani, MD & CEO of Apollo Medics Hospital, added, "This achievement highlights the exceptional quality of medical care we provide. We are dedicated to offering cutting-edge services for complex cases. Our team's success proves our capability to overcome any challenge."