Sarita’s fight with multiple cancers

For most cancer patients, early diagnosis and treatment assure a better chance of recovering, even surviving the disease. But Sarita Devi had been dealt a raw hand – she was already suffering from multiple cancers – a large 25x25cm tumour on her thyroid, vaginal bleeding due to locally advanced uterine cancer, as well as a 4x4cm ulcer on her nose due to basal cell cancer of the nose skin. She was in need of immediate treatment. Unfortunately for Sarita, the high risk involved in treating multiple cancers had led to her not receiving treatment earlier. Also, there was a high chance that Sarita might lose her voice post-surgery.

Finally, Sarita approached the Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC) for help. RCHRC, supported by the Tata Trusts, is a joint initiative of the Ranchi Cancer Care Foundation (RCCF) and Tata Cancer Care Foundation (TCCF). RCHRC’s surgical oncology team comprising Dr Amitesh Anand, Dr Abhiram Bhoyar, Dr Ruta Bhise, Dr Mohammed Shafi Imran and Dr Chandan Hesa, deliberated extensively on the complexities of her case. For instance, the presence of the large tumour on the thyroid was a hurdle in administering anaesthesia, due to its impact on the windpipe. However, their tireless and collaborative efforts helped them develop a safe and effective treatment plan for Sarita, which included detailed plans for three surgeries to be carried out simultaneously.

With the guidance of bronchoscopic intubation, the team performed several procedures, including plastic surgery for the nose. The procedures, which took eight hours, saved Sarita’s life and her voice.

Post surgery, Sarita stayed in the intensive care unit for two days, where she received exceptional care from the nursing team, a physiotherapist, a nutritionist and allied specialists. Her swift recovery ensured her transfer to a regular ward where she continued to recover under RCHRC’s diligent post-operative care. After ten days, Sarita was discharged, her health restored and her spirits high. Her post-care plan includes radiation therapy for further treatment of the uterine cancer, as well as RCHRC’s continued support and follow-up care to ensure her complete recovery.

For the doctors at RCHRC, Sarita’s case and its successful conclusion was a significant milestone in treating multiple cancers in a single patient. For people suffering from multiple cancers, who would otherwise have to approach large hospitals in urban centres and incur expensive treatments, Sarita’s treatment offers a bright ray of hope. For RCHRC, the case is another feather in their cap, and reaffirms the high standards of the centre’s medical expertise and the dedication of the team.