Doctors Remove Tumor as Mumbai Man Faces Dual Heart Issues

MUMBAI, India — In a remarkable medical case, a 67-year-old Dombivli resident, Vinod Mehta, has successfully survived a rare combination of a heart tumor and severe coronary artery disease, thanks to swift medical intervention and expert surgical care.

Mehta, a retired hardware businessman, had been experiencing persistent weakness, frequent loose motions, and dangerous breathlessness for weeks. Initially, he consulted multiple doctors who suspected digestive issues. However, his actual health concerns were far more serious.

“It never felt like a heart issue,” Mehta said, reflecting on his condition before seeking further help. His situation took a critical turn on March 23, when he collapsed in his bathroom. His wife, Trupti, noted it took a considerable effort to revive him before their son, Paras, rushed him to a local hospital.

At the initial hospital, a referral was made to Icon Hospital in Dombivli. There, Dr. Kutty conducted scans that revealed Mehta’s condition: a right atrial myxoma—a benign but dangerously located heart tumor—and a significant blockage in his left anterior descending artery.

“It is rare to find a right atrial myxoma and even more rare to have a concomitant coronary artery disease in the same patient,” Dr. Kutty explained. “When we removed the tumor, it was the size of a small orange.”

Due to the complexities of Mehta’s condition, he was transferred to Platinum Hospital in Mulund, where he underwent a five-hour surgery on March 26. This operation successfully removed the tumor and cleared the blockage in his artery.

“While the tumor was benign, such masses can pose risks,” Dr. Kutty noted, referring to the potential for fragments to travel through the bloodstream, leading to serious complications like strokes.

Now on the road to recovery, Mehta expressed deep gratitude for his second chance at life. “I’ve got a second life,” he stated, surrounded by his family, including his three sons. “I thank the doctors for their care and expertise.”

According to the medical team, the chances of the tumor returning are very low and Mehta’s cardiac issues have been completely resolved.

This extraordinary case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment in addressing complex cardiac conditions.