Nashik, June 23: In a rare and highly challenging surgical feat, the team at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) Nashik, successfully removed a large cancerous tumour arising from the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) - one of the body’s most critical blood vessels, saving the life of a 52 year old woman who walked within just three days of the surgery and was discharged on the fifth day. The patient, a Nashik based homemaker dedicated to caring for her family, initially experienced persistent abdominal pain which she attributed to dietary changes. Over time, the pain began radiating to her legs, prompting her to seek medical attention. An ultrasound examination revealed a large mass measuring approximately 9 cm in the upper abdomen. Subsequent CT scan findings raised concerns of a possible malignancy involving the IVC, the major vein responsible for carrying blood from the lower half of the body back to the heart.

Understandably distressed by the diagnosis, the patient approached HCGMCC for further evaluation. A comprehensive PET-CT scan and biopsy confirmed the presence of a rare soft tissue cancer, a malignant tumour originating from the wall of the IVC itself.

Further investigations revealed that the tumour was closely associated with major abdominal blood vessels, making surgery extremely complex and high risk.

“During the operation, surgeons successfully removed the tumour along with an approximately 12 cm segment of the affected IVC. The procedure also involved complex vascular reconstruction to restore normal blood flow. Despite the extensive nature of the surgery, the patient’s recovery was remarkable. She was able to walk comfortably within days and was discharged home on the fifth post-operative day. In over 15 years of practice, this is only the second such rare surgery that we have performed,” says Prof Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services and Managing Director, KIMS Manavata Hospitals, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre and Six Sigma, Nashik.

Tumours arising from the IVC are among the rarest forms of sarcoma and pose a unique surgical challenge because they involve one of the body’s most vital blood vessels. Complete tumour removal offers the best chance of long term survival, but achieving this safely demands advanced surgical expertise, multidisciplinary planning and precise vascular reconstruction.

“What makes stories like these truly special is not just the complexity of the surgery but the courage shown by patients and their families. This was a high risk procedure with significant technical challenges, but their faith in our team never wavered. Seeing her walk out of the hospital smiling just five days later reminds us why pushing the boundaries of cancer care is so important. Such surgeries are possible only with the right expertise, infrastructure, teamwork and experience,” concludes Dr Nagarkar.