Combining medical excellence, courage to conquer and fight against cancer and faith to bring a new life to this world, Fortis Cancer Institute successfully treats a Nigerian lady of her breast cancer during pregnancy. 26 year old John Kalzi who was diagnosed of breast cancer on her 6th month underwent complete cancer treatment and delivered a normal baby.

Ms John Kalzi found a lump in her breast and later a biopsy at Nigeria confirmed she was suffering from breast cancer. Knowing about a cancer screening camp organized by Fortis Hospitals Ms Kalzi decided to go to the camp to consult the specialist for a second opinion. Dr. Arun Bhel, Consultant Onco Surgeon who evaluated Kalzi confirmed her of breast cancer (right breast) and she advised her to undergo surgery.

Dr. Arun Bhel, Consultant Onco Surgeon Fortis Hospitals said “In view of the pregnancy being in the 6th month with associated Breast cancer there was a dilemma as to how to treat her and save the baby at the same time. We suggested her for a removal of cancerous tumor. We also informed that all attempts will be made not only to treat the cancer but also to try and protect the baby. After understanding her condition and need to get treated as early as possible, Kalzi decided to come to Fortis Cancer Institute for further treatment.”

Kalzi was screened by a team of specialists at Fortis Cancer Institute and a treatment strategy was further planned. Utmost care was taken to protect the baby during evaluation and protect the fetus from any sort of radiation. She underwent a mastectomy whereby her right breast which was affected of cancerous tumor was removed.

After the mastectomy Kalzi was put on chemotherapy for further treatment. As Dr. Boman Dhabar, Medical Oncologist, Fortis Cancer Institute elaborates, “Since Ms Kalzi was pregnant it was decided to give inj cyclophosphamide & inj Adriamycin which was found be safe while chemotherapy during pregnancy (as they do not cross the placenta) and gave her 4 cycle of chemotherapy (spread over 21days).”

Dr. Atul Ganatra, Gynaecologist at Fortis Hospitals was actively involved in the process of treating Kalzi. She delivered a normal Baby boy (weighing 3.5 Kg) on 29th Sep 2010. Kalzi was not advised for breast feeding as chemotheraphy drugs could affect the baby.

Dr. Atul Ganatra, Gynaecologist, “Patient was given Epidural Anesthesia (painless delivery injection) to make the process painless as she had suffered a lot of mental and physical trauma for breast cancer and its treatment”

Ms John Kalzi narrates, “I was worried and reluctant initially as I thought chemotherapy could affect my child. But the doctors assured me that they will take extra care while treating me. I trusted the team of doctors and they helped me deliver a normal baby boy. I and my family were so overwhelmed that we decided to name the baby as “Miracle”. I heartily thank the whole team of Fortis doctors to give me the happiness of having Miracle in my life and conquering cancer with faith.”

Post delivery after 2 weeks Ms Kalzi was again given a 4 cycle of chemotherapy and is now undergoing radiation.

Iraq-based Maha Muhammad had lost all hope for life when she was diagnosed with blood cancer at the age of 20. But she got a new lease of life after undergoing a bone marrow surgery in the capital.

In June 2010, Maha’s parents approached Delhi-based Fortis Hospital, to treat their young daughter. She was successfully treated through a unique bone marrow transplant.

Bone marrow, a tissue that produces blood cells in the body, needs to be replaced in case of chemotherapy failure. Stem cells from a donor are cultured and transferred to the recipient’s body in the form of new bone marrow.

The success rate of such transplants are slim, believe experts.

‘In Maha’s case, we were able to retrieve bone marrow cells from her brother because of a matching donor blood group. The transplant was successful because of that,’ said Rakesh Ojha, head of department of bone marrow transplant at Fortis International Oncology Centre.

Around 1,000 patients require bone marrow transplants every year in India, of whom only 200 are able to receive it. There are only around 20 such transplant centres across the country

source: Sify News

A team of doctors led by Dr Ramcharan Thiagarajan, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology & Hepato Pancreatic Biliary Surgery, Fortis Hospitals, Bangalore recently performed a high risk surgery on a 60 year old Nigerian to remove a perilous tumor weighing 4 kilos surrounding his liver.

Mr. Giddy Ejeng was suffering from acute abdomen pain and had symptoms of anemia for almost about a year. While consulting with doctors in Nigeria he had got a CT scan done which revealed the giant sized liver tumor. Sensing the high risk involved, doctors at Nigeria referred the case to Fortis Hospitals Bangalore who has the expertise to perform such high risk surgeries. “The surgery performed is called “Trisegmentectomy” where major part of the liver is resected to remove the cancer leaving behind small portion of the normal liver. This surgery is possible because we all know liver regenerates quite fast. Had the surgery not being performed in time, the situation could turn fatal” explained Dr. Ramcharan Thiagarajan.

This was a case of a massive liver resection where two third of his liver was removed due to a gigantic tumor sitting on his tumor. The size of the tumor was unusually big and was impinging on the IVC (inferior vena cava) the large vein that carries de-oxygenated blood from the lower half of the body to the right atrium of the heart. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain and fatigue for four preceding months and loss of appetite. Examination revealed a large mass 20 cm x 15 cm occupying almost the whole of the liver.

“After adequate general anesthesia, the abdomen was opened in layers with an inverted T-shaped incision, detailed inspection of the liver and other abdominal organ was performed. The liver was mobilised to facilitate resection of the mass. A careful dissection of the tumor was performed thereby minimizing collateral tissue damage and blood loss” added Dr. Ramcharan Thiagarajan.

“I believe we should never give up hope even if sometimes everything seems to come to an end. We believed Giddy will be fine and cured completely. So when our doctor in Nigeria told us to take Giddy to India we knew they surely have the expertise to handle the case. May be this faith and conviction helped us in going through the difficult times. Since the surgery there has been a tremendous improvement in my husband’s health. I would like to thank the doctors at Fortis Hospitals for their support and warmth extended to us. They have treated my husband with utmost care” said Mrs. Giddy.