Sharda Care Healthcity Performs Rare Dual-Tumor Surgery Using Minimally Invasive Approach
The incidence of thyroid cancer in women is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in reproductive years. According to the World Cancer Observatory, in women aged 25–45, thyroid cancer is the third most common cancer after breast and cervical cancer.[1]
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) used in this case offers a minimally invasive alternative to open thoracic surgery, leading to less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars
Sharda Care Healthcity, a leading super-speciality hospital in Greater Noida, has successfully performed a rare and complex dual-tumour surgery on a 37-year-old woman. The patient had two anatomically distinct tumours—a massive 13 cm thyroid tumour and a 5 cm mediastinal tumour (located in the space between the lungs)—both compressing the windpipe from opposite directions and bending it into an S-shape. While the thyroid tumor presented as a visible swelling in the neck, the mediastinal tumour (an abnormal growth of mass) was incidentally discovered during a CT scan conducted at another hospital. The patient had initially been taken up for surgery elsewhere, however due to the complexity and associated risks, the procedure was not completed. She later approached Sharda Care Healthcity for a second opinion, where her tumors were successfully removed using advanced, minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
The patient initially presented with a visible swelling on the left side of her neck, along with increasing difficulty in breathing and swallowing food. She also reported a persistent sensation of tightness in the chest, occasional choking while lying down, and a hoarseness in her voice—symptoms caused by the tumors compressing the windpipe and nearby nerves. These red flags indicated a potentially life-threatening situation. Recognizing the urgency, a multidisciplinary team led by Dr. Hemkant Verma, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, planned and executed a dual surgery to remove both tumors in a single, high-risk operation.
Dr. Hemkant Verma, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, Sharda Care Healthcity said, “This was an incredibly rare and complex case due to the tumors’ proximity to vital structures. The mediastinal tumor was surrounded by major blood vessels leading to and from the heart, and both tumors were compressing the recurrent laryngeal nerves, which control the vocal cords. There was a significant risk of permanent voice loss and respiratory complications. Additionally, the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm (responsible for breathing and respiration, was also in close proximity. To address these challenges, the surgical team used video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to remove the mediastinal tumor. Through three small (1 cm) keyhole incisions in the chest, the tumor was carefully dissected and removed without disturbing the nearby heart, major vessels, or nerves. This technique eliminated the need for a large incision or rib spreading, making recovery easier and less painful. The thyroid tumor, which measured approximately 13 cm, was removed through a small precision incision in the neck during the same surgical session. The entire surgery took about three hours to complete, requiring meticulous coordination and advanced surgical skill.”
He added, “In over a decade of practice, I’ve rarely seen a case where two unrelated tumors, in different regions, compressed the same vital structure—requiring two minimally invasive surgeries in one sitting. The patient is recovering well, with no postoperative complications.”
Mr. Rishabh Gupta, Vice President, Sharda Care - Healthcity, stated, “The successful outcome of this rare and complex surgery highlights our commitment to advanced medical technologies and clinical excellence. It also reflects our focus on making world-class, high-risk surgical care accessible to patients across the country.”
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