Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 June 2024
In a significant development at GB Pant Hospital under the Department of General Surgery, a 61-year-old female patient successfully underwent surgery for breast cancer, marking a milestone in local healthcare. The patient had presented with a longstanding mass and ulceration on the skin over her left breast, prompting a thorough examination by trained surgeons of Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS).
Upon diagnosis of breast cancer, the patient underwent comprehensive investigations including Ultrasonography, CT Chest, and biopsy, which confirmed the presence of an aggressive malignancy. Subsequently, a skilled surgical team performed a complete mastectomy, excising the affected breast tissue along with nearby lymph nodes and other necessary tissues. The procedure was successful, and the patient recovered well without any postoperative complications.
Surgeon specialised in oncological surgeries, led the operation, ensuring thorough removal of the cancerous tissues. Following the surgery, further analysis of the dissected tissues indicated that the cancer was responsive to medical treatments available at GB Pant Hospital.
ANIIMS, recognising the need for integrated cancer care, has recently established a Chemo Immunotherapy Unit for managing cancer patients medically. The patient commenced her chemotherapy treatment on May 30, 2024, and is currently under close observation as part of her follow-up care.
In a proactive step towards enhancing breast cancer detection, GB Pant Hospital has acquired a new mammography machine. Medical experts advise women to undergo regular screening for early detection of breast lumps or masses, crucial for timely intervention and management.
With the addition of comprehensive surgical and medical cancer management facilities, the majority of cancer cases can now be effectively managed locally, reducing the need for patients to travel outside the Islands for treatment, except in cases requiring specialised radiotherapy.
The successful treatment of the breast cancer patient underscores ANIIMS’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare services within Andaman & Nicobar Islands, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care close to home.