UAE | Health
Surgery helps woman battle rare cancer
Disease occurs in fewer than 2% worldwide
- By Iman SherifStaff Rerporter
- Published: 00:00 January 30, 2011
Abu Dhabi A doctor in the UAE discovered a rare form of cancer in an Emirati woman who wishes to remain anonymous.
Dr B. Venkata Ratnam, Head of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Department, at NMC Hospital in Abu Dhabi diagnosed what was initially thought to be an ulcer, successfully as Desmoplastic Melanoma.
Desmoplastic Melanoma (DM) is a rare form of cancer occurring in less than two per cent worldwide.
"Due to a lack of distinctive clinical presentation features, D.M. is often misdiagnosed," Ratnam said.
The disease is curable, but if left untreated until advanced stages, the rate of fatality increases dramatically," he said. "It was a deadly cancer. The common cause of death is from its spread to lungs."
Unsuccessful attempts
The woman was operated on twice unsuccessfully in previous years. Each time, she was hospitalised for between two to three months. She had lost hope of recovery according to her relatives.
"Hope for the woman to remain cancer free is high. She was operated on four years ago, and remains under my care. So far, there are no signs of the disease coming back therefore she can say she is cured," said Ratnam.
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