Patient records:
Name: Maria
Age: 22 years old
Nationality: Filipino
Diagnosis: Giant neurofibroma of the neck (benign superficial tumor)
Treatment Hospital: Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
Meticulous mine clearance in the "minefield" restored her to a light neck.
Maria, a 22-year-old from Cebu, Philippines, suffers from neurofibromatosis, with a large, grape-like neurofibroma on the right side of her neck. The tumor extends from behind her ear to her collarbone, not only making her appear hunchbacked but also causing chronic neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, and even difficulty turning her head due to the weight of the tumor. Unable to work and afraid to leave the house, her life is completely overwhelmed by this "burden on her neck." Removing the tumor is extremely dangerous because it wraps around major blood vessels and vital nerves in the neck like tree roots; the surgery is like defusing a minefield, with the slightest mistake potentially leading to massive bleeding or paralysis of the arm.
Maria's family found us through their church network. After evaluation, our medical team determined that this required top-tier microsurgery and reconstructive techniques. We recommended the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University. This department has extensive experience in "complex superficial tumor resection and immediate reconstruction," and is particularly adept at completely removing tumors while using surrounding flaps or microsurgical techniques to repair large wounds and preserve vital functions.
In the pre-service phase, our work involved "precise reconnaissance" and "risk contingency planning." We arranged for Maria to have a remote consultation with experts at Southern Hospital. We translated and transmitted her carotid CTA angiography and MRI neuroimaging to the experts in advance, enabling them to accurately understand the relationship between the tumor and the common carotid artery and brachial plexus, much like viewing a "3D map," and developed multiple surgical plans.
Maria arrived in Guangzhou as scheduled . The surgery was performed at Nanfang Hospital. Under a high-powered surgical microscope, the doctors, like "archaeologists," meticulously peeled away the tumor bit by bit, following the gaps between nerves and blood vessels. The entire process was like defusing a complex bomb; damage to any major blood vessel or nerve would be catastrophic. After nearly 10 hours of delicate surgery, the 1.5-kilogram tumor was completely removed. Subsequently, the doctors skillfully repaired the wound using a skin flap from the nearby neck.
after the surgery and felt an unprecedented sense of relief, she shed tears of immense relief. Post-surgery, the rehabilitation therapist guided her in neck exercises to prevent scar adhesion. After returning home, we established a "Post-Tumor Post-Surgery Follow-up File" to regularly track for signs of recurrence and provide guidance on scar management. Using the top-notch "landmine clearance" technology at Southern Hospital, we relieved Maria of the burden she had carried for 22 years, giving her a light neck and a new life.