The Dilemma of Tumor Diagnosis and Local Treatment

In September 2024, Yoo Khee Chai first noticed a painless lump on the right side of his face. Due to the absence of any significant discomfort, he did not pay it much attention. Over time, the lump progressively increased in size; by October, it had noticeably enlarged, yet Mr. Yoo still did not seek medical attention despite strong suggestions from his children. In November, the lump continued to grow, affecting his hearing, which finally made him realize the seriousness of the situation. Initially, he suspected it was caused by dental inflammation, but a dental examination ruled out that possibility. Ultimately, in December 2024, he was diagnosed with low-grade B-cell lymphoma (stage IV with multiple metastases) via a needle biopsy at a hospital in Malaysia. Local doctors recommended six sessions of a "high-intensity chemotherapy regimen," which terrified Mr. Yoo, causing him to refuse treatment. He began exploring various alternative therapies, including a vegetarian diet and nutritional supplements, and even received vitamin C injections. However, the tumor continued to grow, while his white blood cell levels kept declining, and his weight plummeted from 62 kg to 55 kg.

What motivated Mr. Yoo to seek an alternative to traditional chemotherapy was witnessing the suffering of other chemotherapy patients at his local hospital. He stated, "Their condition was concerning; they were extremely weak." This filled Mr. Yoo with fear and made it difficult for him to accept the harsh side effects of conventional chemotherapy. When Mr. Yoo consulted a hospital in Kuala Lumpur, he was informed that the treatment cycle would last nearly five months. After suffering from "balloon face," Mr. Yoo was impatient and needed to find a faster, more effective treatment plan with fewer side effects quickly.

A New Path: Precision Treatment Offers Renewed Hope

With the help of his sister, Mr. Yoo discovered the minimally invasive treatment techniques available at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou through Google and Facebook. He was pleasantly surprised by the diverse range of tumor treatment technologies offered there, which he had never encountered locally. He was touched by the hospital's numerous patient success stories and the comforting presence of families. Accompanied by his wife, he embarked on a medical journey to China in February 2025.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the lump on Mr. Yoo's face had grown to 15 x 11 cm. It not only affected his appearance but also caused significant hearing loss due to the tumor pressing on his ear canal. A CT scan revealed a large mass in his right parotid gland, accompanied by locally invasive lesions, including enlarged nodules in the neck, clavicle, and stomach arteries. Furthermore, the tumor in his right neck was clearly demarcated from his right parotid gland and sternocleidomastoid muscle, requiring precise treatment to shrink the tumor.

Before Treatment

Mr. Yoo, at 66 years of age, was experiencing rapid disease progression, significant weight loss, and overall weakness. Following a joint diagnosis and discussion by the hospital's MDT, a comprehensive minimally invasive treatment plan was developed, combining interventional therapy with natural therapy. Given Mr. Yoo's condition, interventional therapy guided by imaging equipment was initially employed to inject high concentrations of chemotherapy drugs directly into the arteries that supply the tumor. This approach allowed for local drug concentrations that were 2 to 92 times higher than intravenous chemotherapy, resulting in a rapid reduction of the tumor mass and alleviation of facial swelling. Concurrently, natural therapy was used to stimulate the patient's immune system, aiding in the elimination of residual tumor cells and establishing long-term immune surveillance. This combined approach of "rapid tumor shrinkage + long-term immunity" effectively minimized the systemic side effects of traditional chemotherapy while addressing the underlying cause of the tumor.

Before Treatment vs. After First Interventional Therapy

After Second Interventional Treatment

After two interventional treatments, Mr. Yoo reported that the process was surprisingly easy, accompanied only by a warm sensation. He experienced no hair loss or nausea, and his appetite improved. Mr. Yoo was astonished by the rapid effects of the treatment. After the first session, the tumor had shrunk by nearly half, and the swelling was significantly reduced, resulting in partial recovery of his hearing. Following the second treatment, his appearance nearly returned to normal, and his hearing was fully restored, all within less than a month. Mr. Yoo exclaimed, "Before, my face was swollen like a balloon, but now it's almost back to normal!"

The minimally invasive comprehensive treatment at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou restored Mr. Yu's face to its normal state in just about a month. These advanced techniques effectively addressed the issue and facilitated a quicker recovery. The professionalism and attentiveness of the medical team made the couple feel especially cared for. This treatment experience, characterized by "less pain, faster results, and quicker recovery," highlights the essential difference between our hospital's minimally invasive interventional therapy and traditional therapies. We prioritize personalized treatment plans and meticulous care management throughout the process, enabling patients to maintain good functional status and quality of life during their treatment.

Mr. Yoo and His Wife

New Life and Gratitude

In addition to advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou offers attentive international customer service. Mr. Yoo recalled that upon his arrival in Guangzhou, the hospital arranged for a special car to pick him up, and a 24-hour translator was available throughout his stay, ensuring comprehensive care in a foreign country.

During treatment, the hospital organized wellness activities for patients. Mr. Yoo participated in the "Baduanjin" activity, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise that helps patients relax while strengthening their muscles and bones. "I had never experienced such activities at local hospitals. I truly felt much better after practicing it!" he and his wife remarked. Additionally, our hospital offers sightseeing tours to immerse patients in Chinese culture, transforming their medical journey from a painful treatment process into a integrated holistic recovery of both body and mind, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Guangzhou.

Traditional Baduanjin Activity

Mr. Yoo and his wife were very happy and moved by the results of his treatment. He finally got rid of "balloon face" and returned to a normal life. He also expressed regret, stating, "If I had known about Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou earlier, perhaps my brother in Munich could have been saved a few years ago..." Before being discharged and returning home, Mr. Yoo and his wife conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the hospital's medical team. They mentioned that upon returning home, they would share their cancer-fighting experience at our hospital with their relatives and friends, so that more patients can avoid unnecessary detours and discover a better life along with more suitable cancer treatments. "When you're given a 'balloon face,' the minimally invasive treatment at Modern Cancer Hospital Guangzhou allows you to regain your bright smile!

Photo with medical staff