New Delhi: Doctors at AIIMS Delhi removed nearly 20 kg of tumour tissue from a 42-year-old woman with advanced colon cancer, in a complex operation that specialists say underscores both advances in cancer surgery and the growing impact of lifestyle-linked disease.The patient, from Durgapur in West Bengal, consulted multiple hospitals and was told she had only 3 to 4 months to live after chemotherapy failed to stop disease progression. She reached AIIMS in July 2024 with severe abdominal distension, where investigations confirmed colon cancer with extensive spread across the abdomen.
She received multiple cycles of chemotherapy, which led to partial tumour shrinkage. Given the extent of disease, the case was considered extremely high risk. After reassessment and discussions with the patient and family, doctors decided to attempt surgery.On Jan 12, 2026, a team led by Prof M D Ray from department of surgical oncology at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital performed extensive cytoreductive surgery, removing tumour deposits from the colon, abdominal lining, and other affected structures. Nearly 19.9 kg of tumour tissue and involved organs were excised.Because of the patient’s condition, the surgery was carried out in stages. After removing all visible tumours, doctors used HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)—heated chemotherapy circulated inside the abdominal cavity—to destroy microscopic cancer cells. Doctors said the patient showed encouraging early recovery and remains under close monitoring.Prof Ray said cancers with widespread abdominal spread are considered inoperable in India. “Even today, most such patients are offered only palliative care. With experience and advanced techniques, surgery can be considered in selected cases,” he said.Doctors flagged an urgent public health concern, noting that colon cancer—now among the 6 most common cancers in India—is rising steadily and is linked to poor diet, high intake of red and processed meat, physical inactivity, obesity, and chronic stress. Right-sided colon cancers, are difficult to detect early and often present late.
