Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case of a 60-year-old woman who had multiple tumors in her neck and chest cavity tops, indicative of a condition called neurofibromatosis. The tumors grew slowly over nine years, after which she underwent a two-stage surgical procedure to remove the tumors, starting from the left to the right side of her body. The surgical procedure was performed using video-assisted thoracic surgery and was successful in completely removing the tumors without any postoperative complications.

This is reportedly the first case where such a procedure has been used to remove multiple tumors from the superior mediastinum (the area between the lungs) in patients with neurofibromatosis. The researchers believe this minimally invasive procedure, which also involved removing some tumors to avoid nerve injury, might be a safe and effective approach for similar cases.

FAQs

  1. What is the condition that caused multiple tumors in the patient’s neck and chest cavity tops?
  2. What was the surgical procedure used to remove the tumors in this case of neurofibromatosis?
  3. Why do the researchers believe this surgical procedure is a safe and effective approach for similar cases?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tumor resection is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to promote healing and prevent complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, following a specific diet, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare team. It’s also important to communicate any concerning symptoms or changes in your condition to your doctor promptly. By following these guidelines, you can optimize your recovery and overall outcome after tumor resection surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tumor resection are those with benign or malignant tumors that are causing symptoms, such as pain, difficulty breathing, or compression of surrounding structures. In the case of neurofibromatosis, patients with multiple tumors that are growing and causing symptoms may be recommended for tumor resection. Additionally, patients with tumors that are at risk of becoming malignant or have the potential to spread to other parts of the body may also be candidates for tumor resection. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before tumor resection:

  • The patient experiences slow growth and progression of multiple tumors in her neck and chest cavity over nine years.
  • Consultation with healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment.
  • Decision to undergo a two-stage surgical procedure to remove the tumors.

After tumor resection:

  • Successful surgical procedure using video-assisted thoracic surgery to remove the tumors.
  • Complete removal of the tumors without any postoperative complications.
  • Recovery period following the surgery.
  • Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications.
  • Potential need for further treatment or surveillance depending on the patient’s condition.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the goal of tumor resection in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with tumor resection surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time after tumor resection surgery?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  5. How often will I need follow-up appointments or imaging studies to monitor for any recurrence of tumors?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after tumor resection surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. What is the experience and success rate of the medical team in performing tumor resection surgeries?
  9. Can you explain the specific surgical technique that will be used for my tumor resection?
  10. Are there any specific pre-operative preparations or tests I need to undergo before the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Azuma Y, Tochigi N, Sano A, Sakai T, Iyoda A. Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg. 2021 Oct 20;16(1):310. doi: 10.1186/s13019-021-01690-w. PMID: 34670599