In a remarkable medical achievement, doctors at Welcare Hospital successfully removed a rare 3 kg thoracic tumour (PEComa) from a 66-year-old woman who presented with progressive breathlessness.

PEComa is an extremely rare tumour that arises from specialised cells around blood vessels, making it highly vascular and complex to treat, with very few cases reported worldwide, especially in the chest. Despite its marked vascularity, a carefully planned strategy involving pre-operative embolization ensured that intraoperative blood loss was negligible, contributing to a smooth and uneventful recovery.

The surgical complexity was further heightened by the tumour’s dense adhesions to adjacent critical structures, including the lungs, heart, and major mediastinal vessels. Meticulous dissection was required to achieve complete excision while preserving vital anatomy. This case highlights the strength of a multidisciplinary team approach as the cornerstone in managing such rare and complex conditions, combining expertise and surgical planning to prioritise patient safety.

The patient showed significant improvement after the procedure and had a seamless recovery and was discharged in stable condition on the 6th postoperative day. The surgery was performed by cardiac surgeons Dr. Shiv Nair, Dr. Riju Nair, and Dr. Zarine, supported by cardiac anaesthesiologist Dr. Mary and Dr. Mathew pulmonologist.