Specialists at St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital of the First Medical Association of Lviv successfully treated 8-year-old Yana Pasichnyk from Vinnytsia Region, who was diagnosed with an extremely rare malignant tumor – pancreatoblastoma. This disease is found in only one child per million.
Onset of the Disease
The symptoms appeared in March when Yana began to experience severe itching on her palms, followed by jaundice in her eyes. Concerned, her parents sought medical help. After examinations in regional hospitals, doctors identified a tumor in her pancreas, blocking her bile ducts and causing jaundice and debilitating high fever.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Yana was urgently transferred to St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital in Lviv. Further tests revealed that the tumor had grown to 10 centimeters in diameter.
- Doctors inserted a 5-millimeter tube into her bile ducts, which alleviated her condition.
- A biopsy confirmed the diagnosis: pancreatoblastoma, an aggressive malignant tumor.
“We prescribed chemotherapy: 7 cycles over 7 months. This reduced the tumor to 2 centimeters, allowing us to proceed with surgery,” said Oleksandr Kalinchuk, Medical Director of St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital.
A Remarkable Surgery
Experienced surgeon Yurii Shavarov from St. Panteleimon Hospital, specializing in pancreatic cancer surgeries in adults, joined the medical team.
- The surgery involved complete tumor removal, along with part of the bile ducts and duodenum.
- Reconstructive procedures connected the pancreas to the intestine, stomach, and bile ducts.
The 4-hour surgery was successful, preserving organ functions.
Outcome
Yana is now fully healthy and has returned home. Her case highlights the capabilities of modern medicine and the dedication of medical professionals.