A man from Taichung survived a rare and aggressive lymphoma tumor the size of an ostrich egg, thanks to rapid treatment at Asia University Hospital. The medical team acted quickly to treat the large tumor growing in his neck, preventing life-threatening complications.
Mr. Liao first noticed a hard lump in his neck in May. At first, he ignored the lump and only took painkillers to ease the pain. However, as the lump grew larger and became unbearably painful, he decided to visit the hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare but fast-growing form of cancer. This lymphoma often affects areas such as the jaw, abdomen, or central nervous system and demands urgent care.
The tumor had grown to the size of an ostrich egg and pressed dangerously close—only 0.1 centimeters—to Liao’s trachea. This put him at serious risk of suffocation if treatment was delayed. For this reason, rapid treatment became critical to saving his life.
Hematologist Dr. Lai Yen-ting led the medical team and immediately started chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Alongside chemotherapy, the team gave supportive care, including intravenous fluids and electrolyte balancing. They also protected Liao’s kidney function because rapid tumor breakdown releases waste that can block the kidneys and cause failure.
Thanks to the rapid treatment, the tumor disappeared completely, and doctors discharged Liao safely. The medical team will monitor his condition closely and provide follow-up treatments as needed.
Dr. Lai explained that lymph nodes swell when fighting infections and appear throughout the body. They concentrate mostly in the neck, armpits, groin, and abdomen. Although these nodes help defend the body, they can also become sites for cancers like lymphoma.
In conclusion, Liao’s case highlights the importance of rapid treatment when managing aggressive cancers like Burkitt’s lymphoma. Quick medical intervention saved his life and prevented a fatal outcome.
