Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi. A tumor measuring 24 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 2.5 kilograms was found in the adrenal gland; the patient suffered from rapid heartbeats and unbearable headaches that made daily life difficult. Doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital saved the patient’s life by successfully removing the rare pheochromocytoma tumor through a complex surgery. The tumor had grown so large that it had adhered to the pancreas and spleen. Given the complexity of the situation, the doctors opted for open surgery instead of a minimally invasive technique.

Dr. Ashwin Mallya, a uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon at the hospital, stated that the patient had been suffering from abdominal pain, weight loss, and elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels for about six months. Initially, he did not take the symptoms seriously and relied on herbal remedies. Later, when a relative who is a doctor felt the situation was abnormal, they advised him to undergo an ultrasound. The examination revealed a large tumor in the adrenal gland.

**Unusually Large Tumor Size**
Dr. Ashwin Mallya explained that the tumor was unusually large and adhered to vital surrounding structures, making its safe removal challenging. GI surgeon Dr. Suresh Sanghvi assisted in the surgery. Endocrinologist Dr. Setu Gupta medically stabilized the patient prior to the operation, while anesthesiologist Dr. Nitin Sethi and his team provided continuous monitoring during the procedure.

According to Dr. Mallya, adrenal glands are located atop both kidneys and produce several vital hormones in the body. Pheochromocytoma can lead to the overproduction of catecholamine hormones. This can cause symptoms such as sudden spikes in blood pressure, headaches, rapid heartbeats, and excessive sweating.

Tumor treatment possible via laparoscopic or robotic surgery
He stated that most adrenal tumors can be treated using laparoscopic or robotic surgery; however, for hormone-producing tumors, it is essential to medically stabilize the patient before the operation. Uncontrolled blood pressure despite medication, unexplained low potassium levels, recurrent rapid heartbeat, or the detection of a lump in the adrenal gland are signs that should not be ignored.