Extremely rare tumour removed from 12-year-old's brain in Vadodara
What makes this case extraordinary is that such a tumour has never before been reported in the brain, and is so rare that it isn't even included in the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of nervous system tumours. Worldwide, angiomyxofibromatous tumours are known to occur in the genital region of adult females, making this diagnosis in the posterior fossa (a small space at the back of the skull and houses some critical structures of the central nervous system) unprecedented.
Dr Parth Modi, from the Department of Neurosurgery at SSG Hospital, said the girl presented last year with persistent headaches, dizziness and vomiting, but had no prior health issues. "Her physical examination didn't reveal any neurological deficits. However, MRI and CT scans showed a 5 cm tumour in the posterior fossa region," he explained.
Given the tumour's critical location, the surgical team had to proceed with extreme caution.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
"This was a high-risk procedure due to the potential for bleeding," Dr Modi said. The surgery — sub-occipital craniotomy and tumour excision via the telovelar approach — was carried out by Dr Modi, Dr Amey Patankar, Dr Ankit Shah and Dr Vinay Rohra. Remarkably, the girl was discharged within a week of the surgery.
However, the mystery deepened post-surgery when the biopsy initially yielded inconclusive results. The sample was then sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru — a WHO-affiliated premier institute — where the tumour was finally identified as angiomyxofibromatous.
"Given the unprecedented nature of this case—being the first reported instance of such a tumour in the brain of a child — we decided to formally document it," said Dr Modi. The case was reviewed by renowned neurosurgeons from Japan and South Korea, and was recently published in the Asian Journal of Neurosurgery.
While angiomyxofibromatous tumours are typically benign, the exact behaviour of this tumour in the brain remains unknown.
"We're closely monitoring her for any signs of recurrence," Dr Modi added.
For now, the news is hopeful. The girl has resumed school and is once again playing with her friends.
BOX
Angiomyxofibromatous tumour: Angiomyxofibromatous tumours are soft tissue tumours that have, until now, been reported only in the genital region of adult females. Although typically benign, their behaviour within the brain remains unknown due to the rarity of such occurrences.
Vadodara: In a medical breakthrough that may be the first of its kind globally, doctors at Vadodara's SSG Hospital and Baroda Medical College successfully removed an exceptionally rare tumour — angiomyxofibromatous — from the brain of a 12-year-old girl.
What makes this case extraordinary is that such a tumour has never before been reported in the brain, and is so rare that it isn't even included in the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification of nervous system tumours.
Worldwide, angiomyxofibromatous tumours are known to occur in the genital region of adult females, making this diagnosis in the posterior fossa (a small space at the back of the skull and houses some critical structures of the central nervous system) unprecedented.
Dr Parth Modi, from the Department of Neurosurgery at SSG Hospital, said the girl presented last year with persistent headaches, dizziness and vomiting, but had no prior health issues.
"Her physical examination didn't reveal any neurological deficits. However, MRI and CT scans showed a 5 cm tumour in the posterior fossa region," he explained.
Given the tumour's critical location, the surgical team had to proceed with extreme caution. "This was a high-risk procedure due to the potential for bleeding," Dr Modi said. The surgery — sub-occipital craniotomy and tumour excision via the telovelar approach — was carried out by Dr Modi, Dr Amey Patankar, Dr Ankit Shah and Dr Vinay Rohra.
Remarkably, the girl was discharged within a week of the surgery.
However, the mystery deepened post-surgery when the biopsy initially yielded inconclusive results. The sample was then sent to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru — a WHO-affiliated premier institute — where the tumour was finally identified as angiomyxofibromatous.
"Given the unprecedented nature of this case—being the first reported instance of such a tumour in the brain of a child — we decided to formally document it," said Dr Modi.
The case was reviewed by renowned neurosurgeons from Japan and South Korea, and was recently published in the Asian Journal of Neurosurgery.
While angiomyxofibromatous tumours are typically benign, the exact behaviour of this tumour in the brain remains unknown. "We're closely monitoring her for any signs of recurrence," Dr Modi added.
For now, the news is hopeful. The girl has resumed school and is once again playing with her friends.
BOX
Angiomyxofibromatous tumour: Angiomyxofibromatous tumours are soft tissue tumours that have, until now, been reported only in the genital region of adult females. Although typically benign, their behaviour within the brain remains unknown due to the rarity of such occurrences.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Dementia: This one thing about your sleep could predict brain decline
Alzheimer's disease affects millions of families worldwide, tearing at lives and memories in ways nothing else does. For many of us, the worry isn't just for ourselves, it's for aging parents, grandparents, and partners. The puzzling thing is that while some people follow all the lifestyle advice, eat well, stay social, exercise, avoid smoking they still develop Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. Others, with risk factors, seem to dodge the diagnosis. What's going on? Prevalence of Alzheimer's disease As per data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Alzheimer's Association, in the United States, about 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease in 2025, which corresponds to approximately 1 in 9 people in that age group having the disease. This prevalence increases with age, as the majority (74%) of those affected are 75 or older. Women represent nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer's cases. Additionally, an estimated 200,000 Americans under age 65 have younger-onset dementia. The number of people affected is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly 13 million by 2050. Globally, over 55 million people were living with dementia in 2020, with Alzheimer's contributing to 60-70% of these cases New research is zeroing in on something many of us take for granted: sleep. Specifically, how quickly we enter REM sleep—the dreaming, memory-processing part of our slumber might carry clues about Alzheimer's risk. The study that sparked interest Researchers pored through data from 128 adults who underwent comprehensive sleep studies. These participants fell into three categories: 64 had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, 41 were classified with mild cognitive impairment, the rest showed typical cognitive health Using overnight lab tests that tracked brainwaves, eye movements, and heart rate, the team focused on how long it took each person to reach the first REM cycle usually the most important for memory and emotional processing. They then compared this with scans showing levels of amyloid and tau, proteins that clump in the brain of someone developing Alzheimer's. The key finding? People who took longer to reach REM often had higher levels of these proteins. In short, the delay in dreaming seemed linked to actual early Alzheimer's biology even before memory loss showed up. The study was published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia. Why REM sleep matters? You've probably heard that REM is where dreams happen. But what's less talked about is how vital it is for memory and emotional health. Several studies suggest that monitoring and potentially improving REM sleep quality and timing might offer avenues for early detection and intervention in dementia risk and progression. People who get less REM sleep have a higher risk of developing dementia. A study following older adults found those who developed dementia spent about 17% of their sleep time in REM compared to 20% for those who did not, with each 1% reduction in REM sleep associated with a 9% increase in dementia risk. Longer latency to REM sleep (taking more time to enter REM sleep after falling asleep) is also associated with increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This delayed REM sleep may disrupt memory consolidation and increase stress hormones harmful to the brain's memory centers. So, what can you do? Here's the good news: You're not powerless. There are real steps to support better REM sleep and overall brain health: Regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up around the same time, even on weekends. It helps anchor your internal clock. Watch caffeine and alcohol: Yes, wine feels relaxing in the evening, but alcohol suppresses REM early in the night. Similarly, avoid coffee or tea after lunch if you're sensitive. Move earlier in the day: Morning or midday activity can help reset body rhythms and promote better, deeper sleep. Wind down mindfully: Try a calm pre-bed routine: Reading, breathing, dim lights. Screens and bright lights confuse your body's sleep cues. See a professional: Conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs can delay REM. A sleep study may uncover untreated issues. Beyond sleep: Lifestyle matters too No sleep plan fixes Alzheimer's risk alone. But combined habits exercise, blood pressure control, and social connection create a healthier brain overall, according to guidance from the CDC: Stay active, manage blood sugar and blood pressure, treat hearing loss, avoid tobacco, drink alcohol in moderation. Put together with sleep improvements, these steps offer genuine hope for longevity and better brain function. When to see a doctor If you're regularly fading before noon, struggling to stay alert, or suspect sleep disorders at night, talk to your doctor or sleep specialist. They can run a lab sleep study or recommend safe imaging to check for early brain changes all proactive steps, not symptoms to fear. No worries, no overthinking, just awareness. Improving your sleep isn't just self-care it's brain care. Aim for dark, cool nights. Avoid late-night screen scrolling. Treat sleep issues seriously. Talk to doctors. And if you worry in the dark, know that science is catching up and that early testing and lifestyle changes could make a difference. If your body and brain work better with a nightly reset, give them that chance. Good sleep, especially on time REM, could help the brain clean up better, feel sharper, and stay more resilient.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Is eating rice good or bad for health?
Rice is predominantly a staple food for most Asian countries, and it happens to be one of the most consumed cereal grains across the world. Right from white rice to brown rice to the nutrient-dense black rice and red rice, there are several variants of rice, and each one has something good or bad about it. However, there are several myths floating all around social media that eating rice is not good for health, whereas, according to some studies, rice is a rich source of nutrients. Thus, we thought of sharing more insight into the matter and whether eating rice is good or bad. Read on! Here's why eating rice daily is good or bad for health: Natural dose of energy Yes! You read it right; we often blame rice for being the sole reason for our after-meal dizziness. Well, you will be amazed to know that rice is naturally loaded with carbohydrates, which help in boosting the energy levels. Rice has a long chain of complex carbohydrates that take quite some time to break down. Thus, it keeps you satiated for a longer duration of time. However, too much starchy food can be harmful for people suffering from diabetes. Hence, keeping in check the quantity becomes important to derive the benefits of this nutrient-dense cereal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Couple Wonders Why Their Photo Went Viral Till They Go Through The Comments Learn More Undo Nutrient-rich Rice is a powerhouse of various nutrients. In fact, all varieties of rice are a great source of minerals such as calcium and iron; they are also rich in vitamins, such as niacin, vitamin D, thiamine, fiber and riboflavin. Rice is easy to digest, has less saturated fat, and has good cholesterol as compared to other foods. Hence, it is good for heart health. Good for digestion Suffering from stomach ailments? Then rice can be the best healthy alternative to go for. It is light and easy to digest, and the presence of fibers makes it a great thing to go for. In fact, the fiber content in rice helps in reducing constipation and other stomach-related ailments. Glycemic index Rice has several nutrients and minerals, but despite all the good things it has, it has a high glycemic index, which can actually lead to diabetes. The presence of starch takes too much time to break down the carbs. Hence, too much rice, especially white rice, must be avoided to stay away from various lifestyle diseases. Weight loss or weight gain There are various studies that suggest that going for a rice-based diet can actually help in losing weight, as it has more fiber and less saturated fat. On the other hand, some studies suggest that rich,
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Side effects of Vitamin D shots and why no one talks about its link with blocked arteries
Vitamin D is known as "sunshine vitamin", and serves two essential purposes for human health: bone development and immune system support. However, even in a tropical country like India, Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, due to factors like poor diet, limited sun exposure, and remaining indoors. While there are pills for the deficiency, doctors sometimes administer Vitamin D injections to patients with extremely low levels, since these enter the bloodstream directly. However, do you know that these injections can have serious side effects, including blocked arteries? Let's take a look.. What Are Vitamin D Shots Doctors administer Vitamin D3 shots to patients who need strong vitamin D therapy, because their levels are critically low, or their bodies fail to absorb the vitamin through food or pills. The high dose of Vitamin D3 injected into your muscles delivers the treatment directly to your bloodstream, which accelerates deficiency correction. Common Side Effects of Vitamin D Shots Most individuals experience no issues with vitamin D injections, yet potential side effects exist: The most common side effect is pain or swelling that develops at the injection site which resolves itself within several hours or days. The area may become bruised when people receive multiple injections, which results in discomfort at the injection site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Earn Upto 5k Daily By This Method of Intraday Trading TradeWise Learn More Undo Some people might experience nausea together with vomiting, when vitamin D accumulation exceeds safe levels. When people experience excessive vitamin D levels in their bodies, they often develop vomiting and stomach nausea. The symptoms of headache and dizziness tend to be mild, yet they can become bothersome if they persist for a longer period. Some people develop constipation, while others experience a dry metallic taste in their mouth. Excessive vitamin D consumption leads to decreased hunger and subsequent weight reduction, and muscle weakness in the body. A few individuals experience mood variations and mental confusion, together with cognitive difficulties. Rare instances of high doses may result in heart rhythm alterations, which produce fast or slow or irregular heartbeats. When vitamin D levels become excessive in the blood, it leads to both increased thirst and more frequent urination. Excessive consumption of vitamin D over time can create dangerous calcium levels, which damage the kidneys and produce kidney stones. The Severe Health Risks of Vitamin D Toxicity People who receive frequent or large vitamin D shots face a higher risk of developing vitamin D toxicity, because their levels become excessively high. The medical condition known as vitamin D toxicity or "hypervitaminosis D" develops when the body receives excessive amounts of this vitamin. The following signs appear during this condition: Confusion or disorientation Extreme tiredness High calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia): causes confusion, vomiting, kidney stones, heart issues Severe dehydration Why No One Talks About Blocked Arteries and Vitamin D Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium for bone health maintenance. Elevated vitamin D levels create a situation where calcium starts accumulating beyond bones, and enters other body regions such as blood vessels. Arterial Calcification: How Vitamin D May Be Linked The medical term arterial calcification describes the process of artery blockage through calcium accumulation. The process of arterial stiffening through atherosclerosis occurs when arteries become more prone to blockages. Scientific research shows that taking excessive doses of vitamin D creates conditions where calcium forms deposits in arteries, instead of bones leading to future heart disease development. Research: What Does the Science Say Observational studies demonstrate that very low vitamin D levels are connected with higher heart risks, even though research on vitamin D supplements and injections for heart disease prevention remains inconclusive. Studies of high vitamin D dosages in animals sometimes show arterial calcification, but the results do not consistently apply to human subjects. Research demonstrates that vitamin D toxicity from excessive doses or prolonged use, results in elevated blood calcium levels which can cause arterial calcification and potentially lead to blocked arteries. Research indicates that Vitamin D deficiency poses risks to the heart, but high or excessive intake in people who do not require it, does not offer clear cardiovascular benefits and could potentially cause harm. Are Vitamin D Shots Safe for Your Arteries The majority of people experience no harm from receiving a single shot or undergoing short-term medical treatment under doctor supervision. But: People who have heart disease together with a history of kidney stones and elevated blood calcium levels, require extra attention during treatment. The risk increases when patients receive prolonged or high-dose injections without blood testing. Sources WebMD The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic MedlinePlus
