Max Hospital Saves Young Mother With Lemon-Sized Heart Tumor

Doctors at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj have successfully treated a 27-year-old woman suffering from a rare 7 cm cardiac tumour, part of which had broken off and travelled to her brain, causing a stroke. The innovative minimally invasive procedure used to remove the tumour has given the young mother a new lease on life.

The patient presented with severe headache, vomiting, altered sensorium, and prolonged numbness. Upon evaluation, the medical team discovered a large 7 cm tumour inside one of the heart’s chambers. A fragment of the tumour had embolised, causing a blockage in the brain’s circulation, leading to a stroke.

Vaibhav Mishra, Director & Head of CTVS Cardiac Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, led the team that treated the patient. He explained, “The patient arrived with stroke symptoms, which is particularly uncommon in young individuals, especially women. A comprehensive diagnostic workup, including extensive imaging, revealed the tumour in the heart. A fragment had travelled to her brain, obstructing blood flow and causing the stroke.”

Mishra highlighted the minimally invasive approach taken: “We performed a ‘scarless’ procedure to remove the heart tumour. Instead of the conventional open-heart surgery, which requires cutting the breastbone, we made a small 5 cm incision in the right chest, avoiding the ribs. This method results in a barely visible scar, preserving the patient’s cosmetic appearance.”

Vivek Kumar, Senior Director of Neuro Sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, who first treated the patient for the stroke, added, “Thanks to the prompt and accurate diagnosis, the patient’s condition improved significantly, leading to a full recovery. The complete removal of the tumour has cured her and prevented further strokes.”

 Kousar Shah, Executive Vice President & Zonal Head at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, emphasised the hospital’s role in treating complex cases: “We pride ourselves on providing quaternary care and achieving excellent clinical results. Our advanced medical infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise enable us to offer precise and effective treatment for complex conditions. This case demonstrates our commitment to utilising state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled specialists to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients.”

Following the successful surgery and full recovery, the patient was discharged on the fourth day.