Rare Black Brain Tumor Successfully Operated and Removed from 72-year-old Woman at Fortis Shalimar Bagh

Rare Black Brain Tumor Successfully Operated and Removed from 72-year-old Woman at Fortis Shalimar Bagh

~ Incidences of rare black brain tumour is only 0.5 per 10 million population annually~

New Delhi, 26 November 2024: A rare and complex black brain tumor has been successfully removed from the brain of a 72-year-old woman at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh. The delicate and rare surgery was performed by a skilled team of neurosurgeons, ensuring the patient's recovery and well-being. The tumor, which presented unique challenges due to its rare nature and location, was carefully excised without causing any damage to surrounding brain tissues.  The team of doctors led by Dr Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh treated the patient via a complex dual brain surgery. 

In October last year, the patient suffered loss of consciousness with right sided weakness, for which a CT scan was done in Gwalior where she was diagnosed with brain hemorrhage.  She was treated conservatively and was gradually recovering. However, earlier this year, she suffered right-sided paralysis with difficulty in speaking, leaving her bed-ridden. A repeat CT scan and MRI was done in Gwalior, which revealed a recurrence of brain hemorrhage at the same site and a much larger clot than last time. 

Seeking advanced care, the patient was brought to Fortis Shalimar Bagh for an expert opinion. Upon detailed diagnosis, a bleeding tumour on both sides of her brain was diagnosed. Recognizing the urgency and complexity of the case, she was operated in two stages - first surgery for left side tumor and after 48 hours, the patient was taken up for a second surgery for tumor in the bone on the right side of her brain. At surgery, the tumor was identified as a rare black tumor (melanoma), which is known to cause bleeding. 

The first surgery lasted for 9-10 hours and to manage brain swelling, the patient was kept on ventilator post-surgery.  After both the surgeries, a small portion of the tumour within the large vein had to be left behind as opening veins can cause dangerous bleeding and brain swelling. After a month, the patient underwent radiotherapy for the small residual tumor. Post-surgery, the patient recovered well and is now leading an independent life.

Explaining the rarity of the case, Dr Sonal Gupta, Director & HOD Neurosurgery, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh said, “This was a very rare case of black brain tumour with only 0.5 per 10 million cases reported per year. Furthermore, two brain surgeries in same admission, long hours of surgery with heavy bleeding, that too at the age of 72, posed huge challenges at various stages of the treatment. In fact, the woman had a pre-existing issue of spontaneous layer formation in the breathing pipe. So, she had to undergo bronchoscopic treatment after the surgery as such patients are put on ventilator during anesthesia, taking them off the ventilator becomes very difficult. She would have succumbed to the tumour within months, if not treated on time. Now with complete therapy, chances of survival for the next 5 years is 70-80% and she is independent with no paralysis or disabling deficit.”

Mr. Deepak Narang, Facility Director, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, said, “This was a case of a rare tumour, and the surgery was complex considering its location. However, the team of doctors led by Dr Sonal Gupta meticulously handled the case and executed the surgery with great precision and care. Such cases require correct diagnostic approach and management strategies, and Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh is well-equipped to manage such challenging cases.”

The 72-year-old patient shared, "Initially, I visited a hospital in Gwalior, where the doctor mentioned that the tumor was small in size. However, when my condition didn’t improve, I sought a second opinion from Dr. Sonal Gupta at Fortis Shalimar Bagh, where I learnt that it was actually a large tumour. Before the surgery, I was completely dependent on others, I couldn’t even go to the washroom on my own and was struggling with memory loss. Since the surgery, my health has improved remarkably. I can now perform my daily tasks independently, and my memory is also gradually improving. We are extremely grateful to Dr. Sonal Gupta and her team for the exceptional care."