One Patient, Two Cancers, One Surgery at AIIMS Bhopal

Bhopal: Doctors at AIIMS Bhopal have successfully treated a 52-year-old patient diagnosed with two different primary cancers in a single surgery. The patient, who suffered from cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) and renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer), is now recovering well after the complex procedure, according to a press release here on Tuesday.

The patient had reported worsening jaundice, itching and weight loss. Investigations revealed bile duct obstruction caused by cancer and a 6.5 cm tumor in the right kidney. The occurrence of two distinct cancers at the same time is extremely rare, prompting specialists from the departments of urology and surgical gastroenterology to devise a coordinated plan.

During the operation, the gastroenterology team performed a whipple procedure to remove the bile duct cancer and reconstruct the digestive tract, while the urology team carried out a radical nephrectomy to remove the affected kidney. By combining both surgeries, doctors avoided multiple major operations, reducing risk and improving recovery prospects, official said.

Over the past year, the institute has successfully treated nearly 75 kidney cancer patients, alongside complex gastrointestinal cancer cases.

Doctors urged the public not to ignore warning signs such as jaundice, blood in urine, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or loss of appetite. They stressed that early diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve cancer outcomes, especially in high-risk groups such as smokers, obese individuals and those with chronic kidney disease or family history of cancer.