Woman Mistakes Tumor for Menopause—Doctors Remove 10kg Tumor in Mumbai

In a remarkable medical feat, doctors at a Mumbai-based hospital successfully removed a 10-kilogram ovarian tumor from a 40-year-old woman, restoring her quality of life and preventing further complications.

In a significant medical achievement, doctors at St George's Hospital in Mumbai successfully removed a massive 10.4 kg ovarian tumor from 40-year-old Meena Solanki. Initially, Solanki had mistaken the tumor’s gradual growth for signs of early menopause.

The tumor, described as being large enough to hold multiple babies, was placing severe pressure on several of her internal organs, prompting the need for urgent surgical intervention.

The surgical procedure was performed at the state-run St George's Hospital near Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT), where Solanki, a resident of the Crawford Market area, underwent treatment.

Large ovarian tumors have become increasingly rare today, as most are detected early during routine gynecological check-ups or discovered incidentally. "I assumed I was experiencing early menopause, which I thought explained my growing abdomen," said Solanki.

The patient had reportedly been experiencing persistent abdominal discomfort and bloating for several months. Upon clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging, doctors discovered a massive tumor occupying a large portion of her abdominal cavity. A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthetists, and support staff planned and executed the complex procedure with precision and care.

Unmarried and living with her mother and brother, Solanki shared that friends often teased her, asking if she was pregnant. A few months ago, she started vomiting after meals and grew progressively weak and malnourished. Concerned, a social worker brought her to St George's Hospital for a medical evaluation, where doctors identified the massive ovarian tumor.

According to a resident doctor at the hospital, the 10 kg tumor was placing extreme pressure on Solanki’s intestines, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and surrounding blood vessels.

Massive ovarian tumors can pose serious threats to a patient’s life, not only due to their potential malignancy but also because of the complications caused by their sheer size.

The surgery, which lasted several hours, was performed using advanced surgical techniques to ensure minimal blood loss and preserve surrounding organs. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged a few days later in stable condition.

The patient, now recovering well, has begun walking around her hospital room and is preparing for discharge. Notably, in 2021, Dr. Katke performed a similar surgery on a seven-month pregnant woman with a 10 kg tumor. In another case, doctors in Bengaluru successfully removed a 13 kg ovarian tumor from a 64-year-old woman.

Medical experts highlighted the importance of timely health check-ups and early intervention, especially in cases involving subtle but persistent symptoms. While ovarian tumors can range from benign cysts to malignant growths, early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

The hospital's team lauded the patient’s courage and expressed hope that her story would raise awareness about women’s health issues and the importance of regular gynecological screenings.

 (Input From Various Sources)

(Rehash/Mradula U Naik/MSM)