Removal of giant mediastinal tumor weighing 3.6kg

A 42-year-old male patient came to Bach Mai Hospital with chest pain and difficulty breathing, especially when lying down. This symptom had actually been present for two years, causing him to be constantly tired and unable to do heavy work, but he did not go to the doctor because he was subjective. It was only when the feeling of chest pain and difficulty breathing increased significantly that he went to the hospital for a check-up.

Through examination and chest CT scan, doctors discovered a giant mediastinal tumor located in the right pleural cavity, compressing and causing collapse of almost the entire right lung, pushing the diaphragm out of alignment. The biopsy results determined that this was a Schwannoma - a rare benign tumor originating from the nerve sheath but with a rare "huge" size.

The tumor was not only large but also located deep in the chest - a space that is inherently limited by the ribs. Despite using instruments to expand the intercostal space to the maximum, the surgical team was still unable to remove the tumor intact. The doctors were forced to decide to remove a section of rib to widen the access, creating space for manipulation.

Dr. Ngo Gia Khanh, Head of the Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, shared that during the dissection, the tumor adhered tightly to the mediastinal blood vessels, had a soft shell and increased blood vessel proliferation, causing massive bleeding.

The team had prepared in advance, determined that the surgery had a high risk of bleeding, and the patient was prepared with blood for transfusion. During the surgery, the patient was transfused with 2 units of blood, while the team quickly controlled the situation by controlling the tumor's vascular pedicle and ligation to stop the bleeding.

"The approach and dissection required absolute precision to avoid damaging important organs such as the heart, lungs and large blood vessels. After 2 hours of tension, the giant tumor was completely removed, the right lung expanded again, and normal shape and function were restored," Dr. Khanh shared.

Just one day after surgery, the patient was able to sit up, walk lightly and was discharged after 4 days in a healthy state.

The successful surgery was not only due to the solid skills of the surgeons of the Department of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, but also due to the close coordination, careful preparation and high sense of responsibility of the entire medical team, doctors, Anesthesia and Resuscitation Center, Hematology and Blood Transfusion Center, Bach Mai Hospital.

Dr. Ngo Gia Khanh warned that this case is a warning for many people not to be subjective with abnormal signs of the body, especially the feeling of fatigue and prolonged chest pain. Regular health check-ups are extremely important to detect and promptly treat dangerous diseases.

Mediastinal tumors often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, when experiencing symptoms such as persistent chest pain, difficulty breathing when lying down, or unexplained dry cough, patients should see a doctor soon.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/loai-bo-khoi-u-trung-that-khong-lo-nang-36kg-post875305.html