Diagnosed with a giant cell tumor, she was advised to terminate her pregnancy, but in a life-saving surgery, lasting for 14 hours, the tumor was removed, and she got a new lease of life.

Hyderabad, August 17, 2023: Thirty-year-old Ms. Bhavana Neerukonda from Telangana, found herself in a challenging situation when she was diagnosed with Giant Cell Tumour (GCT) during her second trimester of pregnancy. The stressful period drove Ms Bhavana and her husband Mr P.Kiran Raja hapless in search of the right treatment for her condition. The couple consulted several clinicians but couldn’t come across the right treatment plan that could save both.

Despite being put on painkillers, her agony intensified as time passed, and some clinicians advised her to terminate her pregnancy. A ray of hope emerged after the diagnosis a doctor referred her to Dr. Rajeev Reddy, Consultant – Ortho Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC), Hyderabad.

The tumor—an imposing 20 cm in size and extending from the lower spine to the sacrum—was positioned precariously behind her womb and the developing baby. Recognizing the complexity and urgency of the case, the Tumor Board deliberated extensively to ensure both mother’s and child's well-being.

Ms. Bhavana was admitted and a comprehensive plan was set in motion. After stabilizing her condition, a premature delivery was carried out via C-section followed by the 14-hour surgery to remove the tumour. The team adopted cutting-edge techniques, including 3D printing to navigate the intricate surgery. This approach provided a 3D orientation of the tumor, aiding surgical accuracy and minimizing risks, thus providing tremendous positive ramifications.

The triumph in Ms. Bhavana's case was the result of a collective effort by a multidisciplinary team consisting of Dr Rajeev Reddy, Consultant – Ortho Oncology, Dr Rooma Sinha, Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Shekhar Reddy, Senior Consultant Anesthesiologist & Pain Specialist, and Dr. Raghav Dutt, Senior Consultant Spine Surgery. Despite the complexities posed by the precarious position of the tumor, extreme care was exercised to prevent damage to vital nerves and nearby organs.

Ms Bhavana Neerukonda, said, “Getting diagnosed with Giant Cell Tumor during my pregnancy was challenging and difficult. The unwavering support and exceptional care I received from the team at Apollo Cancer Centre gave me hope and strength. Their innovative approach and dedication not only ensured successful treatment but also brought a new life, my loveable baby into the world. I am immensely grateful for their expertise and compassion.”

Dr. Rajeev Reddy, Consultant – Ortho Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, said, "Facing a medical challenge as intricate and delicate as this case was truly humbling. Our dedicated multidisciplinary team at Apollo Cancer Centers, harnessed cutting-edge technology and collaborative expertise to navigate the complexities of Ms. Bhavana's situation. Through meticulous planning, advanced 3D printing, and unwavering determination, we successfully safeguarded both mother and the unborn child from the daunting presence of a 20-cm Giant Cell Tumor .”

Dr Rooma Sinha, Consultant Gynaecologist, "Guiding Ms. Nirkunta Bhavana through her journey of pregnancy and successful treatment of her Giant Cell Tumor was a deeply rewarding experience. Our collaborative efforts at Apollo Cancer Centre underscore the importance of comprehensive care that addresses not only the medical aspects but also the emotional well-being of our patients. Witnessing a healthy baby and a recovered mother is a testament to the potential of medical innovation and compassion."

Dr. Shekhar Reddy, Senior Consultant Anesthesiologist & Pain Specialist said, " Our role goes beyond just administering medications; it's about orchestrating safety and comfort in the most critical moments. By providing precise and tailored anesthesia, we contributed to the success of this complex 14-hour surgery, ensuring both mother and baby's welfare. This experience reinforces our commitment to innovation and unwavering dedication to our patient’s well-being, and collaborating on the treatment plan, is in itself a testament to the power of teamwork in medicine."

Today, Ms. Bhavana is leading a normal life, and her baby is now 1 1/2 years old. This case highlights that with proper guidance and monitoring, pregnancies, surgeries, and anesthesia can be managed with minimal risk to the baby.

Giant cell tumor, among the prevalent benign bone tumors, primarily affects young adults aged 20–40, often displaying a propensity for recurrence and potentially aggressive behavior. Instances of GCT in individuals above 50 are rare. GCTs exhibit a female-to-male ratio ranging between 1.3 and 1.5 to 1. Remarkably, this tumor displays a considerably heightened occurrence among Asian populations compared to their Western counterparts. Notably sporadic before the age of 20, GCTs are less than 5% prevalent among skeletally immature patients. (Reference link)

This unique and successful series of cases adds to the growing body of medical knowledge, providing hope and insights for others facing similar challenges. The ACC team's dedication and expertise shine brightly, marking another milestone in the pursuit of medical excellence.