In what must be a hypochondriac’s worst nightmare, an elderly man’s doctor’s visit for a sore throat escalated into a cancer diagnosis.
Source: Alexander’s Images on Canva, for illustration purposes only
Dr Chen Liang-Yu, an otolaryngologist in Taiwan who deals with ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions, recounted the alleged case on Facebook.
He explained that the unfortunate patient was diagnosed with tongue cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Translation: Tongue cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer.
Source: 陳亮宇醫師 on Facebook
Additionally, Dr Chen said the elderly man was in good physical health.
He also lived an active lifestyle and exercised regularly.
How then could such a healthy man suffer from quadruple cancers?
Translation: He exercises regularly.
Source: 陳亮宇醫師 on Facebook
The answer lay with the patient’s long-term smoking and alcohol consumption, both of which are linked to cancer.
On top of those, he also chewed on betel quids, which are comprised of areca nuts, betel leaves, and slaked lime, creating an addictive narcotic effect.
Betel nut chewing is associated with major risks of developing oral cancer, alongside other health issues.
Unfortunately, the elderly man’s active lifestyle could not counter the long-term abuse of cigarettes, alcohol, and betel quids, said Dr Chen.
Translation: As for smoking, alcohol, and betel nut chewing, he didn’t avoid a single one.
Source: 陳亮宇醫師 on Facebook
The story has a positive ending, as the patient received intensive medical treatment and successfully recovered from all his cancers.
“In the past, people associated cancer with being a terminal illness. But nowadays, medical science is improving, and early detection means early treatment,” Dr Chen explained.
He thus encouraged those who feel something strange about their throat or neck to visit a doctor for a check-up.
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Featured image adapted from Ear, Nose, & Throat Surgical Associates and Alexander’s Images on Canva, for illustration purposes only.