Woman has 15-pound tumor removed in risky, life-saving surgery
Key Takeaways
Vital Signs
Female
Age 50
Liposarcoma in abdomen
15-pound tumor
Chronic pain, weight loss, and daily vomiting
For years, Julie Camarillo lived with a massive, 15.5-pound abdominal tumor that severely impacted her health.
And she was running out of options. Doctors explained that hospice was a very real option.
Related: Scans and symptoms screamed cancer—but it was something much more bizarreThe Patient
Camarillo, a 50-year-old woman from St. Clair Shores, Michigan, had been battling a rare abdominal tumor for years. She said carrying the weight of the mass felt "worse than being pregnant." []
The Tests and Diagnosis
Medical imaging revealed a 60-centimeter liposarcoma, a rare soft tissue tumor, weighing more than 15 pounds. The tumor was pressing against vital structures, including the aorta and inferior vena cava, making surgical intervention critical.
The Problem
The tumor's location and size posed significant surgical challenges.
Despite her condition worsening, local surgeons in Camarillo's hometown deemed the surgery too risky due to its proximity to major blood vessels. []
The Solution
Camarillo and her husband traveled 300 miles to Chicago to consult Malcolm Bilimoria, MD, a surgical oncologist at Endeavor Health Northwest Community Hospital. Dr. Bilimoria accepted the case, emphasizing the importance of attempting even the most difficult surgeries in order to give patients ever chance available.
"At this point, it was either surgery or hospice care," Dr. Bilimoria said. "And certainly at 50, we didn't want to try that. I said ... I think we're gonna be able to get this out, and of course it's the first time that she heard from anybody that we're gonna try to make her tumor-free."
The surgery was complex, involving careful dissection to avoid damaging critical blood vessels. The team successfully removed the tumor in 4.5 hours, and Camarillo began her recovery with clear margins and renewed hope.
Related: 60 pounds of cancer or fat? Why multiple doctors kept misdiagnosing a tumor for obesityThe Takeaway
This high-risk procedure ultimately saved her life. Camarillo’s case highlights the critical role of second opinions, specialized care, and the determination to explore all options when facing a difficult diagnosis.
For healthcare providers, this story serves as a reminder to consider all options and consult with specialists when standard treatments are insufficient.
