For 12 years, Norwegian resident Thomas Kraut’s growing belly was attributed to obesity, while an undetected 60-pound malignant tumor expanded inside him. Kraut, 59, initially received a diabetes diagnosis in 2012 and was prescribed weight-loss treatments, including Ozempic, as well as fitness and nutrition programs. Yet, only his belly continued to enlarge. In 2023, a surgeon preparing him for gastric sleeve surgery noticed an unusual firmness in his abdomen, prompting a CT scan that revealed the tumor.

Kraut’s medical journey began shortly after his move from Germany to Norway in 2008, where he worked as an optician. His health concerns began in 2011 with his stomach’s unexplained growth. Despite years of consultations, Kraut’s doctors remained focused on weight management. It wasn’t until a preoperative exam in 2023 that the tumor was discovered. By this time, Kraut’s body had lost fat in other areas due to diet changes, leaving his stomach disproportionately large. Alarmingly, the mass was found pressing against vital organs, including his kidney, and had severely impacted surrounding tissue.

Following a 10-hour surgery, Kraut’s tumor, which weighed over 60 pounds and measured more than 20 inches in diameter, was successfully removed. However, part of his small intestine and his right kidney had to be extracted due to damage from the tumor. Although he is now in recovery, some cancerous cells remain, which doctors believe cannot be removed due to their proximity to multiple organs.

Currently, Kraut continues his treatments and consults an oncologist twice a year to monitor his condition. He also attends therapy sessions to cope with the challenges of his ordeal. Despite the ongoing risk, Kraut’s diagnosis offers him some clarity after years of misdiagnosis and missed signs of his rare, aggressive tumor.

Kraut’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation when symptoms persist despite treatment. His experience underscores how physical indicators, such as disproportionate growth in specific areas, can be crucial signs of underlying issues that go unnoticed. By sharing his story, Kraut hopes to raise awareness about the need for second opinions and advanced diagnostic techniques, particularly when symptoms defy standard explanations. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has brought a newfound understanding of his condition and inspired him to advocate for greater attention to atypical symptoms that could save lives in the future.

Reference:

1. Golder, J. (2024, November 4). Man dismissed as “fat” and given Ozempic before doctors find 60-pound tumor in his belly. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2024/11/04/lifestyle/doctors-find-60-pound-tumor-in-belly-of-man-dismissed-as-fat/

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)