A 30-year-old German lady, Alexandra, suffering from a rare genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis (NF1), had a benign tumor that comprised almost 20% of her body weight and was roughly half her size. This rare disorder, affecting only 0.03% of the world population, leads to the growth of tumors all over the body.
Originating as a minor bump on her neck during her elementary school years, the tumor assumed grapefruit proportions by the time Alexandra turned 15. Today, it hangs down from her neck to her thighs, and weighs a huge 20 pounds. So enormous is the lump that she has even designed a sling to assist in carrying it, lightening some of the weight it exerts on her neck and back.
The presence of the benign tumor exerts significant pressure on her throat, making it difficult for her to breathe and upsetting her balance. The mass also becomes extremely sensitive, with even a light touch likened to a determined hit with a baseball bat.
Despite complications including the prospect of possible paralysis due to the mass’s suspected attachment to the spinal cord, Alexandra sought the advice of Dr. Ryan Osborne, a Los Angeles-based oncologist. Impressively, Osborne and his team were able to remove the entire growth in a six-hour-long surgery, freeing Alexandra to live a more comfortable life. Post-surgery, she is said to be enjoying life and feeling “like a princess”.
Vocabulary List:
- Neurofibromatosis (noun): A genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves.
- Benign (adjective): Not harmful in effect.
- Tumor (noun): An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from uncontrolled cell division.
- Complications (noun): Unforeseen problems or difficulties.
- Paralysis (noun): Loss of the ability to move.
- Oncologist (noun): A doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer.
