Father nearly dies after cancerous tumour on back grew to the size of a BOWLING BALL
- Kevin O’Neil was forced to have surgery to remove the malignant tumour
- This was then followed by 30 rounds of radiotherapy to shrink the lump
- Treatment proved to be a success and he is now excited for Christmas
- He praised the NHS and said that they are the only reason he is still alive
Stephen Matthews For Mailonline
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A father nearly died after a malignant tumour on his back grew to the size of a 10lb bowling ball.
Kevin O’Neil, 47, was forced to undergo grueling surgery to remove the cancerous growth on his shoulder.
Doctors believe it was caused by the rare myopericytoma – a group of usually benign tumours.
He then underwent 30 rounds of radiotherapy in an attempt to shrink the tumour – which proved to be successful.
Mr O’Neil, from Inverkeithing, Fife, is now looking forward to Christmas with his family – something he thought he would never see.
Kevin O’Neil, 47, is now looking forward to Christmas with his family – something he thought he would never see
He added: ‘To be able to look forward to Christmas this year is something I am extremely grateful for, especially having a family and being able to celebrate with them.
‘The oncologist told me that had I been five to 10 years older there would have been no chance of me getting the operation because it was so high risk and it would have been a matter of palliative care for the rest of my life.
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‘If the tumour does come back in that area, around the spine and lung area, all they would give me is palliative care. There is no chance they would go back in and operate again.’
Mr O’Neil’s tumour reached the size of a bowling ball in just 12 weeks.
The cancerous lump had grew to the size of a bowling ball in just a matter of weeks. But doctors believe it was caused by myopericytoma – usually the cause of benign tumours
Surgeons removed it in October last year and his most recent scan just a few days ago confirmed he is now cancer-free.
However, the surgery involved the removal of bones, which were replaced with a titanium sheet.
Doctors have now prescribed him long-term medication but he continues to suffer from pain.
The former trade union official said he is lucky to be alive and has nothing bu tpraise for the medical professionals who cared for him.
He added: ‘The NHS has been absolutely wonderful. I should have died but the NHS saved my life.’
Mr O’Neil is now hoping his story will reach some of the other people in the world with this rare condition.
He is also urging men to seek medical help if they notice any changes in their body.
WHAT IS MYOPERIACYTOMA?
Myoperiacytoma is a rare, benign group of tumours forming from cells. It tends to appear in the lower limb regions but can affect the head and neck.
Men between the ages of 35-40 are most at risk of the condition.
Experts are unsure as to what the exact cause of a myopericytoma tumour is but some believe they may occur as a result of injury.
They are usually painless and grow at a slow rate beneath the skin surface or deep inside body tissues.
Doctors can diagnose someone with the form of tumour through an evaluation of their medical history or a CT scan.
When the growths are found early, prognosis is good. However, they can reoccur after treatment.
If no symptoms occur, non-surgical methods are usually used. In some cases, surgeons remove the entire lesion in routine surgery.
Despite recurrence being low, screening and follow-ups may be needed to keep a firm eye.
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