Doctors at Fortis Memoria Research Institute (fMRI), Gurugram, said the Pacific Islander was suffering from a non-cancerous tumor measuring 58x50 cm in size since 2008.
"Giant neurofibroma is a type of peripheral nerve tumor that forms soft bulges on or under the skin that can gradually grow to a very large size over a long period of time," said Niranjan Naik, senior director of surgical oncology at fMRI.
Genetic abnormalities cause such tumors, "which can hinder a patient's quality of life by limiting mobility, causing cosmetic disfigurement, discomfort or pain and sometimes causing heavy bleeding due to bed sores". The doctor said.
Due to the size of the tumor and the high risks associated with the complexity of the case, the young patient was refused surgery in several hospitals in different countries.
"These tumors are very vascular in nature, with large pools of blood in most areas," Niranjan explained. Thus, it may increase the "high risk or uncontrolled bleeding" during surgery.
To reduce this risk, the team began treatment with two procedures that blocked 11 vital blood vessels.
Niranjan said the tumor had many large arteries and venous vessels and had covered the patient's entire back, leaving about 18 percent of the body surface raw.
To cover the area after surgery, doctors used skin grafts from the tumor instead of from both thighs, as it was cancer-free.
In a procedure that lasted 10 hours, "this innovative approach made it possible to successfully cover the patient's entire back."
“The patient was discharged in stable condition in just four days,” the doctors said, adding that the tumor was non-cancerous, the patient is now disease free and will have a good quality long-term survival.
"Giant neurofibroma is a type of peripheral nerve tumor that forms soft bulges on or under the skin that can gradually grow to a very large size over a long period of time," said Niranjan Naik, senior director of surgical oncology at fMRI.
Genetic abnormalities cause such tumors, "which can hinder a patient's quality of life by limiting mobility, causing cosmetic disfigurement, discomfort or pain and sometimes causing heavy bleeding due to bed sores". The doctor said.
Due to the size of the tumor and the high risks associated with the complexity of the case, the young patient was refused surgery in several hospitals in different countries.
"These tumors are very vascular in nature, with large pools of blood in most areas," Niranjan explained. Thus, it may increase the "high risk or uncontrolled bleeding" during surgery.
To reduce this risk, the team began treatment with two procedures that blocked 11 vital blood vessels.
Niranjan said the tumor had many large arteries and venous vessels and had covered the patient's entire back, leaving about 18 percent of the body surface raw.
To cover the area after surgery, doctors used skin grafts from the tumor instead of from both thighs, as it was cancer-free.
In a procedure that lasted 10 hours, "this innovative approach made it possible to successfully cover the patient's entire back."
“The patient was discharged in stable condition in just four days,” the doctors said, adding that the tumor was non-cancerous, the patient is now disease free and will have a good quality long-term survival.
