February 11, 2009 3:01 PM
- Text
Girl Freed From 16-Pound Facial Tumor
(AP)
A Vietnamese girl is finally free of a disfiguring 16-pound facial tumor, after a surgery that lasted at least 12 hours in Miami.
The Schwannoma tumor had consumed the lower half of 15-year-old Lai Thi Dao's face. It had been growing since she was 3 and eventually accounted for roughly one-third of her body weight.
Doctors at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center say Lai's tumor was one of the largest ever reported. The growth had threatened to cut off her airway.
"At this point the tumor is growing back into the throat," said Dr. Jesus Gomez before the surgery.
Dao was brought in to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami by the International Kids Fund.
After her surgery, Dao should be able to eat, speak and regain function of her neck.
Schwannoma tumors are usually benign. Lai's doctors say the size of her tumor is extremely rare and that it likely won't return once it's removed.
The International Kids Fund is seeking donations for Dao's surgery to help offset the estimated $107-thousand cost.
The Schwannoma tumor had consumed the lower half of 15-year-old Lai Thi Dao's face. It had been growing since she was 3 and eventually accounted for roughly one-third of her body weight.
Doctors at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center say Lai's tumor was one of the largest ever reported. The growth had threatened to cut off her airway.
"At this point the tumor is growing back into the throat," said Dr. Jesus Gomez before the surgery.
Dao was brought in to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami by the International Kids Fund.
After her surgery, Dao should be able to eat, speak and regain function of her neck.
Schwannoma tumors are usually benign. Lai's doctors say the size of her tumor is extremely rare and that it likely won't return once it's removed.
The International Kids Fund is seeking donations for Dao's surgery to help offset the estimated $107-thousand cost.
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