In a groundbreaking case, a 49-year-old male was successfully diagnosed and treated for a rare condition, Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL), at American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Gurugram. The patient presented with fever, abdominal pain, and was clinically diagnosed as malaria. A swift and precise diagnosis by the expert team at AOI helped save his life.

The patient was brought to AOI Gurugram in critical condition, with severe left-sided abdominal pain, low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate. Upon evaluation, the medical team suspected a ruptured spleen and performed an emergency laparotomy and splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen). During the surgery, they discovered a massive hematoma and approximately 1.5 Liters of blood in the abdominal cavity.

Although the initially the spleen appeared normal, the medical team at AOI insisted on conducting further tests based on strong clinical suspicion. The results confirmed the diagnosis of Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) that usually develops in the spleen. This type of rare and slow growing cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cases of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma worldwide. The patient was immediately started on targeted therapy treatment and is now recovering well.

“This case is a perfect example of precision-based medicine in action,” said Dr (Brig.) A.K. Dhar, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, AOI Gurugram. “Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma is extremely rare, and its spontaneous rupture is even rarer. Insisting on advanced diagnostic tests like Immunohistochemistry allowed us to pinpoint the exact diagnosis and initiate the right treatment. It underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine in complex cases.”

Harish Trivedi, CEO, CTSI-South Asia, praised the AOI Gurugram team, saying, “This remarkable case highlights the dedication and expertise of our doctors. The team’s commitment to precision and their refusal to settle for inconclusive findings resulted in a life-saving outcome. At AOI, we prioritize delivering world-class Cancer Care through cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments.”

Dr Amit Dhawan, RCOO, AOI Gurugram, added, “Every patient is unique, and so is their treatment journey. This case reflects our mission to provide personalized care, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in diagnosing and treating complex conditions.”

The AOI team’s diligent approach has set an example in advanced Cancer Care, combining expertise and state-of-the-art technology to achieve exceptional outcomes.