Elderly Man With Soccer Ball-Sized Tumor Was Turned Away By Doctors But Here’s How He Looks Like Now

Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in November 2019.

In an extraordinary tale of resilience, an 81-year-old New Jersey man, Milton Wingert, is on the road to recovery after surgeons successfully removed a tumor the size of his head from his neck, putting an end to months of concern and discomfort. The life-changing surgery, performed at Mount Sinai Hospital, unfolded as the cancerous growth had reached a point where it severely impacted Wingert’s overall well-being.

Dr. Nazir Khan, Wingert’s head and neck surgeon at Mount Sinai, shared his initial reaction upon receiving the patient’s referral, expressing astonishment at the enormity of the tumor revealed in clinical pictures and MRI scans. Khan, emphasizing the tumor’s undeniable impact on Wingert’s quality of life, asserted that intervention was imperative.

Wingert, who had been closely monitoring the tumor’s growth, revealed that the massive neck growth had become a source of fear, preventing him from leaving his house comfortably. Several doctors had previously declined to proceed with the surgery, citing concerns about potential complications, particularly regarding the carotid artery or clavicle. Addressing these concerns, Khan highlighted the collaborative efforts at Mount Sinai, where a team of surgeons was readily available to tackle any emergent issues during the procedure.

“We had a whole team of surgeons on board,” Khan explained, underscoring the presence of a thoracic surgeon throughout the procedure, prepared to remove the clavicle if necessary. Additionally, a vascular surgeon was on standby in case reconstruction of the carotid artery was needed.

The surgery, conducted on November 5 and lasting seven hours, marked a resounding success, with none of the anticipated emergency measures being required. Khan had even considered the possibility of reconstructing Wingert’s neck using tissue from his back, a measure that fortunately proved unnecessary.

While Wingert has been discharged from the hospital, Khan pointed out that microscopic remnants of the cancer will necessitate separate treatment. Despite this ongoing aspect of his recovery, Wingert, approaching his 82nd birthday, expressed immense gratitude and underscored that he doesn’t take his newfound health for granted.

Calling it a “miracle,” Wingert shared his appreciation for the medical team’s collaborative efforts at Mount Sinai. Khan, acknowledging the pivotal role of a team approach in handling challenging cases, emphasized the willingness of everyone involved to contribute to the care of Wingert.

Wingert’s successful journey stands as a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative medical efforts and the expertise at Mount Sinai Hospital. As he celebrates his 82nd birthday, Fox News will continue to follow Milton Wingert’s story, showcasing the triumph of teamwork and dedication in overcoming significant health challenges.

Sources: Fox News