A newborn baby with a congenital tumor that accounted for 1/3 of his body was born in Ho Chi Minh City. Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital discovered the tumor during a routine check-up when the mother was 31 weeks pregnant. A fetal ultrasound and MRI scan revealed that the tumor measured 6×6 cm and had the potential to compress the thoracic cavity, leading to a cesarean section being necessary. The baby was born weighing 3.4 kg with a tumor size of 10×20 cm, equivalent to the size of a newborn’s head.
After birth, the baby experienced complications such as bloated stomach, inability to eat or have bowel movements due to intestinal obstruction. Emergency surgery was performed to relieve the obstruction and ensure proper circulation in the digestive tract. The baby underwent additional surgeries to address the tumor, which was pressing on the neck and chest area, causing respiratory and functional challenges.
In January, doctors successfully removed the tumor with careful consideration given to minimizing damage to blood vessels and nerves. Subsequent surgeries were performed to connect the intestines and close the temporary ostomy, allowing the baby to resume normal digestive functions. By April, the baby was able to go to the toilet independently and had recovered well from the surgeries.
Lymphomas often develop in fetal stages or young children, but early intervention and surgical correction can lead to positive outcomes. The Ministry of Health in Vietnam reports a significant number of children born with birth defects each year, many of which require specialized medical intervention for healthy outcomes.
Overall, this is an incredible story of resilience and determination by both doctors and parents who worked tirelessly together to save this little boy’s life despite facing significant challenges along their journey towards recovery.
The case of this little boy serves as a reminder that congenital defects can be life-threatening but early intervention can make all the difference in improving outcomes for patients like him.
As we continue our work as journalists, it is important that we highlight these stories not only for their emotional impact but also for their educational value in raising awareness about critical health issues that affect millions worldwide every day.