Surprising Discovery: 8.5-Kilogram Tumor Removed from Woman in Bremen

Bremen - A 65-year-old woman underwent a remarkable medical procedure at the Bremen Hospital, where surgeons successfully removed an astonishing 8.5-kilogram tumor from her abdomen. This massive growth had gone unnoticed for months, leading to severe health complications.

In November 2024, the patient began experiencing intense pain in her upper abdomen that made it difficult for her to eat. Despite her visits to several medical professionals, the underlying issue remained undiagnosed for a considerable period. During this time, she lost a staggering 22 kilograms as her condition worsened.

After a thorough ultrasound examination, physicians were shocked to discover a large tumor that was compressing vital organs such as the liver, stomach, and intestines against the abdominal wall, extending even into the chest cavity. The imaging results indicated that the malignant tumor had spread throughout her abdominal region.

The surgical team, led by Chief Surgeon Prof. Hüseyin Bektas, promptly transferred the patient to the Oncology Center at Bremen-Mitte Hospital. Prof. Bektas, who has over three decades of surgical experience, expressed his astonishment at the size of the tumor, stating that such a heavy tumor is rarely seen in Europe. He theorized that the tumor had likely been developing for about a year before it became palpable, coinciding with the patient's significant weight loss.

The surgical procedure, which lasted six hours, involved a highly skilled team comprising two surgeons, a senior physician, an anesthesiologist, and several assistants. Due to the tumor's size and its involvement with multiple organs, the surgeons had to remove it in two parts rather than as a single mass. Initially, the team had estimated the tumor's weight to be around five kilograms, but the final assessment revealed its true weight post-surgery.

Following the tumor removal, the patient underwent a second operation the next day to reconstruct her esophagus and stomach. According to Prof. Bektas, her recovery has been encouraging given the circumstances. He noted that she was in good spirits, able to walk the hospital corridors, and had started eating again, which is a positive indicator of her postoperative progress.

While the successful removal of the tumor is a significant milestone, there remains a concern regarding the potential for recurrence of the malignant growth. Prof. Bektas assured that the Oncology Center is equipped to provide comprehensive follow-up care and support for the patient as she navigates her recovery and future health management.