New Delhi (PTI): In a major success story, doctors in the Sir Gangaram hospital here have removed possibly the world's largest brain tumour from the skull of a middle-aged woman.

Review of literature shows that the intracranial tumour measuring 16cmx10cmx8cm is possibly the world's largest such tumour, Dr Manish Vaish, part of the neuro-surgery team which carried out the operation told reporters here.

Sugra Devi, 50, complained of severe headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and irregular limb movement when she was brought to the hospital.

Scans revealed a very large tumour totally within the skull. The tumour was extending onto both sides of the brain and infiltrating and totally obstructing the main drainage channel of the blood from the brain.

"The size, the location next to the part of the brain involved with limb movement as well as the involvement of the main drainage channel of the brain posed a major technical challenge to the team of neurosurgeons," Dr Rana Patir, Chairperson of the Department Neurosurgery said.

"We believe this is the largest tumour removed so far," he said adding had the lady not come on time the tumour could have been fatal.

"These tumours are frequently treated with partial removal followed by radiation. Achieving a complete or a near complete removal can exercise the extreme limits of a neurosurgeon's skill," B K Rao, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the hospital said.

The surgery was performed in six hours.