Harlem, N.Y. - Doctors at Harlem Hospital Center may have saved the life of seven year-old Danielle Bennett of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, after successfully removing a massive tumor the size of an adult fist from her neck and base of the skull, a rare disease known as Fibro Sarcoma.
A surgical team of seven led by Orville Palmer, MD., Ear Nose Throat Surgeon at Harlem Hospital Center assembled the group for the scheduled procedure last Friday. "Fibro sarcoma of the neck is particularly difficult when the tumor involves the base of skull, spine and vital structures of the neck, because of its potential to spread to other vital organs."
Doctors say that fibro sarcoma in this location is uncommon in children, and when it occurs, it tends not to be in this critical location or of this size. For the past year, doctors in Jamaica had ruled Danielle's case inoperable because of limited resources and expertise to take on this complex and difficult surgery.
Norman Morrison, MD., a plastic surgeon on the operating team, says the five-hour procedure was a huge success. "We are happy we were able to give this child a second chance, at life. We are confident Danielle can go on to live a normal healthy life."
"We are very lucky to have found Dr. Palmer", said Jennifer Foster, Danielle's mother, who traveled from Jamaica to be with her child. "Thank you Harlem Hospital."
On a recent visit to Jamaica, Dr. Palmer volunteered at the island's Children Hospital, where he met Danielle and her mother.
Danielle will remain hospitalized at Harlem Hospital until she is well enough to travel back to Jamaica.
Harlem Hospital Center is a member of the Generations Plus/Northern Manhattan Network, which also includes Metropolitan Hospital and Lincoln Hospital and Mental Health Center. This new Network forms the largest system in New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Founded in 1887, Harlem Hospital Center's team of the health care professionals, are committed to excellence in health care delivery, research and teaching.
Contact:
Sophia
Johnson
Renelda Higgins Walker
Email: info@doc-online.org
Back to Press Releases
|
