13-Year-Old Girl in Taiwan Diagnosed with Lymphoma After Months of Chest Pain
A 13-year-old girl in Taiwan has caused a stir after being diagnosed with lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system) following over six months of enduring unexplained chest pain. According to The Health, the initial symptoms of the girl were mild discomfort. However, her condition worsened recently, prompting her family to take her to the hospital. After undergoing tests and imaging, doctors discovered a large tumor in her chest cavity measuring more than 12 cm in diameter.
A Hidden Danger: Large Tumor in the Chest Without Clear Symptoms
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Through a biopsy, doctors confirmed that the tumor was lymphoma, specifically in the lymph nodes— a rare form of cancer in children and adolescents but more common in adults.
Dr. Huang Zhenming, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mennonite Hospital in Hualien, explained that the tumor was not only large but also positioned in a dangerous spot— in the mediastinum (the central part of the chest), right above the heart and attached to the aorta and several other large blood vessels. The pressure from the tumor caused the persistent chest pain that the young girl had been suffering from.
The location of the tumor made the surgery to remove it difficult and high-risk. “The tumor is surrounded by numerous blood vessels, and it’s near the heart and other vital blood vessels. Therefore, removing it could cause significant risks. We decided to use chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy or interferon treatment to reduce the tumor size before considering surgery,” Dr. Zhenming said.
In the image, the red arrow points to the massive tumor exceeding 12 cm, while the green arrows show the aorta and other large blood vessels.
Common Tumors in the Mediastinum
Tumors that develop in the mediastinum are mostly malignant, with common types including thymoma, thymic carcinoma, teratomas, and lymphoma. Lymphoma is generally found in adults and presents common symptoms such as painless lymph node swelling, recurrent fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Possible causes include prolonged exposure to chemicals or radiation, immune system dysfunction, viral infections, or genetic factors.
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In the case of this young girl, although the tumor had been present for at least a year before being detected, she didn’t exhibit typical symptoms of lymphoma, which made early detection challenging. As a result, her condition went unnoticed for a long time.
Recommendations for Parents
Dr. Zhenming emphasized that chest pain in children is not always a serious issue. Often, children experience chest pain due to factors like stress, muscle inflammation, or costochondritis from excessive physical activity, fatigue, or improper posture.
However, issues such as pneumothorax, emphysema in the mediastinum, or congenital heart disease can also lead to similar symptoms. While lymphoma is a rare cause, if symptoms persist, parents should take their child to a healthcare provider for timely diagnosis to avoid missing critical treatment windows.
“Parents should pay attention to any changes in their child’s health, especially persistent or unusual symptoms like chest pain, discomfort, or unexplained fatigue. These may be signs of serious issues. If a child exhibits these signs, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to detect and treat the condition before it leads to dangerous complications,” Dr. Zhenming advised.
The Importance of Monitoring Your Child’s Health
The case of the 13-year-old girl serves as a powerful reminder to parents about the importance of monitoring their children’s health. Sometimes symptoms that may seem minor can hide serious underlying conditions. Regular health check-ups and paying attention to abnormal changes in a child’s body are key to ensuring their long-term health.
While childhood cancer is not something anyone hopes for, early detection and quick medical consultation can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: Don’t Overlook Chest Pain in Children
It is critical to stay alert to persistent symptoms, especially chest pain or discomfort in children. By being vigilant and seeking timely medical advice, parents can prevent the development of severe health issues, including lymphoma, and ensure that their children receive proper care when needed. Early intervention remains crucial for a better prognosis
