Groundbreaking fertility-preserving surgery gives teenager a second chance at life after tumor larger than a football threatened her future
Delhi, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – In a remarkable display of surgical precision and compassion, the expert Gynae Oncology team led by Dr. Rashmi Rekha Bora, Head & Senior Consultant – Gynaecology Oncology Department at Dharamshila Narayana Hospital, Delhi has successfully saved the life and fertility of 19-year-old Ms. Riya (Name Changed) by removing a massive ovarian tumor that had grown to nearly the size of a football.
The young woman, who should have been enjoying her teenage years, instead found herself facing a life-altering medical crisis when doctors discovered a 30cm x 26cm ovarian mass – among the largest documented in someone so young and bigger than a football – that had silently grown to occupy most of her abdominal cavity from her pelvis to her stomach area.
"When we first saw the scans, we knew we were dealing with something extraordinary," said Dr. Rashmi Rekha Bora, leading the Gynaecologic Oncology team at Narayana Hospital. "The sheer size of the tumor was staggering, but our primary concern was ensuring this young woman could still fulfill her dreams of becoming a mother someday."
A Race Against Time with Hope at the Center
What began as concerning abdominal swelling for Ms. Riya quickly escalated into a complex medical situation requiring immediate intervention. The tumor, later identified as a borderline mucinous tumor with a favorable prognosis, had grown so large it was pressing against vital organs and significantly impacting her quality of life.
The surgical team faced an extraordinary challenge: how to safely remove a tumor of unprecedented size while preserving the patient's fertility – a consideration that weighed heavily on everyone's minds given her young age and bright future ahead.
"Every decision we made was guided by one principle – ensuring Riya could live a full, normal life after this ordeal," explained Dr. Bora. "At 19, she deserves every opportunity to pursue her dreams, including the possibility of having children when she's ready."
Precision Surgery Offers New Beginning
On August 20, 2025, the surgical team performed a complex multi-hour procedure involving exploratory laparotomy, right salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, appendectomy, and multiple peritoneal biopsies. The delicate operation required removing the massive tumor while meticulously preserving the left ovary and fallopian tube – safeguarding Ms. Riya's fertility.
The surgery revealed the full extent of the challenge: a 30cm mass with an intact capsule that had stretched surrounding tissues but, remarkably, had not spread to other organs. The frozen section analysis during surgery confirmed the tumor was borderline mucinous – meaning it had characteristics between benign and malignant, offering an excellent prognosis.
"When we successfully removed the entire tumor with the capsule intact and confirmed the excellent pathology results, there wasn't a dry eye in the operating room," recalled a member of the surgical team. "We knew we had just given this young woman her life back."
Remarkable Recovery Defies Expectations
In what can only be described as extraordinary, Ms. Riya's recovery exceeded all expectations. Within 24 hours of surgery, she was sitting up, eating, and showing remarkable resilience that inspired the entire medical team.
"Riya's spirit throughout this journey has been absolutely incredible," noted the nursing staff who cared for her. "Her positive attitude and determination to get better quickly showed us why we chose this profession – to witness these miraculous moments of healing and hope."
Just four days after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor that had dominated her abdomen for months, Ms. Riya walked out of Narayana Hospital with a clean bill of health and a future full of possibilities.
Medical Excellence Meets Human Compassion
This case represents more than just surgical success – it embodies Narayana Hospital's commitment to providing world-class care that considers not just the medical condition, but the whole person and their future aspirations.
"Cases like Riya's remind us why we became doctors," reflected Dr. Bora. "It's not just about removing tumors or treating diseases. It's about preserving dreams, protecting futures, and ensuring that a young woman's life story continues to be written on her own terms."
The comprehensive approach included advanced tumor markers testing, sophisticated imaging, and a multidisciplinary surgical plan that addressed every aspect of the patient's care while minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes.
A Future Full of Promise
Today, Ms. Riya is fully ambulatory, eating normally, and has returned to her regular activities. Her fertility remains intact, and her prognosis is excellent. The successful removal of the borderline mucinous tumor means she can look forward to a healthy, normal life.
"What struck me most about Riya's case was her incredible courage," shared Dr. Bora. "She faced this challenge with such grace and determination. Knowing that we could preserve her fertility while completely treating her condition – that's what makes medicine truly rewarding."
