A 16 years old boy crossed the border and travelled all the way from Dhaka in search of better treatment. Diagnosed with a aggressive form of Kidney cancer. It such a young age the family was finding difficult to accept the fact. Being denied treatment at local place due to unavailability of expertise to handle such cases. He came to Kolkata accompanied by his Mama (Maternal uncle) and mother. Having lost his father in early age this boy was ready to accept his challenges but was not sure where he got the right treatment. He visited Tata Medical Centre, Kolkata, a reputed centre in Kolkata, however, he couldn’t be treated there due to some logistic issues. Mr. Sanu was having a deep tumor in his right kidney. And this tumor was extending into the renal veins and reaching up to hepatic part of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC). This tumor require surgery and requires involvement of a multidisciplinary surgical team like Cardio Thoracic Vascular surgeon, GI Surgeon and experienced Uro-oncologist. This also requires a centre where round the clock availability of nephrology and dialysis facilities and cardiac bypass surgery.

Even with the best standalone cancer hospital in country don’t have these facilities and these kinds of patients are referred or send to a hospital where all these facilities are available.

We accepted the challenge. Discussed the nitty-gritties involved with the surgery and possible complications and outcome discussed, they were convinced and we operated on this patient. We are able to remove the Tumor and tumor thrombus completely without any major complications. He had a smooth recovery and was discharged within 4 days. Final biopsy report was satisfactory and he is under regular checkup.

He came back to us after 1 year and when I asked How are you? He got up from the chair and the message was cleared on his t-shirt‚“I AM FIT”

• Kidney cancer can affect any age…


• Don’t lose hope even in most difficult situations. Open your mind & look for options.


• Look for support in the family.