Tumour in early pregnancy: A rare case of fighting disease while nurturing life

A rare case where a mother faces a tumour during early pregnancy, showing the strength of fighting disease while nurturing new life. (Image: Pexels)

Pregnancy usually brings with it hope, anticipation and joy. For a 25-year-old first-time mother from Bhiwadi, however, the journey was marked by fear and uncertainty when a routine ultrasound at 14 weeks revealed a tumour the size of a basketball.

Further scans suggested the possibility of ovarian cancer. The challenge was to remove the tumour and safeguard the mother, while protecting the fragile pregnancy that had barely crossed its first trimester. “Operating at this stage required precision. The medical team opted for open surgery, removing the tumour along with the affected ovary and fallopian tube,” share the doctors at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Dwarka.

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“Every measure was taken to avoid rupture of the mass or unnecessary stimulation of the uterus. Discovering a tumour during pregnancy can be overwhelming for patients and families. While these cases are rare, they can be managed safely with timely diagnosis, careful planning, and coordinated care,” shares  Dr Sarita Kumari, Consultant Gynae Surgical Oncology.

The patient recovered smoothly and was discharged within three days. Pathology confirmed the tumour to be a sarcoma, confined to the ovary, with no spread to other organs. Under close follow-up, she continued her pregnancy to term and eventually delivered a healthy baby boy.

Reflecting on the case, Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Associate Director & Unit Head, Surgical Oncology, speaks about  its rarity. “Malignant ovarian tumours occur in about one in 10,000 pregnancies, and ovarian sarcoma is extremely rare, with only a few reported in medical literature. Early detection plays a crucial role, as timely evaluation allows doctors to choose the safest treatment strategy while balancing the mother’s health with the safety of the pregnancy.”

For the young woman and her family, what began as a terrifying ordeal ended with relief and joy. The episode also underlines the importance of routine scans during pregnancy, and the role of multi-disciplinary care in understanding rare medical challenges.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.