Imagine battling a condition so rare that only 0.5 cases per 10 million people are reported annually. This was the reality for a 72-year-old woman whose life was turned upside down by a rare black brain tumor. But thanks to the expertise of neurosurgeons at Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, her story is one of resilience, hope, and recovery.

It all began last October when the woman collapsed unexpectedly, her right side paralysed. A CT scan in Gwalior revealed a brain hemorrhage, and though she began to recover with conservative treatment, her health took a severe downturn months later. This time, she was left bedridden, unable to speak or care for herself.

A second round of scans painted a grim picture: another hemorrhage, larger than the first, and a mysterious mass in her brain. The family decided it was time for a second opinion, which brought them to Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh.

At Fortis, the puzzle unraveled. The mass was a rare black tumor, known as melanoma, bleeding and pressing on both sides of her brain. The diagnosis was daunting, but the team, led by Dr. Sonal Gupta, Senior Director & HOD of Neurosurgery, was determined to give her the best chance at recovery.

The treatment plan? Two back-to-back brain surgeries. The stakes? Incredibly high.

The first surgery targeted the left side of the brain and lasted an intense 9-10 hours. The team carefully removed the tumor while managing heavy bleeding, but the challenges didn’t stop there. To prevent complications from brain swelling, the patient was kept on a ventilator after surgery.

Just 48 hours later, the second surgery tackled the tumor on the right side, which had invaded part of her skull. Yet, a small fragment embedded in a major vein had to be left behind to avoid catastrophic bleeding. The journey wasn’t over, but the hardest part was behind her.

Post-surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy to treat the residual tumor. Recovery was slow but steady, and today, she’s a testament to the power of medical science.

“I couldn’t even go to the bathroom by myself before the surgery,” she shared. “My memory was fading, and I felt like a burden. But now, I can do everything on my own again. My health has improved so much, and I am endlessly thankful to Dr. Sonal Gupta and her team.”

Dr. Gupta reflected on the complexity of the case. “This was an incredibly rare tumor, and operating on a 72-year-old patient with such a condition was no easy task. She also had a pre-existing breathing issue that made ventilator support after surgery particularly challenging. Without this timely intervention, she wouldn’t have survived for long. Now, her chances of living independently for the next five years are 70-80%—a remarkable outcome.”

Facility Director Mr. Deepak Narang praised the team’s efforts. “Cases like these test the limits of medical expertise. Dr. Gupta and her team’s precision and dedication saved this patient’s life, reaffirming the advanced care Fortis Shalimar Bagh provides.”

This journey wasn’t just about removing a tumor; it was about restoring a life. The woman, who once depended entirely on others, now lives independently and looks to the future with hope.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the incredible advancements in neurosurgery and the importance of seeking expert care. For her and her family, the second opinion at Fortis wasn’t just a choice—it was a lifeline.