Naples – A story straight out of a novel of resilience: a 102-year-old woman successfully underwent breast surgery for breast cancer at the Cardarelli Hospital in Naples. A rare clinical case, one that brought all the experience and expertise of the Neapolitan facility to bear, transforming a procedure considered risky into a victory for modern medicine.
The patient, lucid and determined, had sought medical attention due to increasing discomfort caused by an ulcerated and bleeding lesion, which, despite her advanced age, had continued to progress. After a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation, the decision was made: to proceed with surgery.
"It's not often that we face such an extraordinary clinical challenge," explains Martino Trunfio, director of Breast Surgery. "The patient was alert, in excellent general condition, and underwent the operation without complications, leaving the hospital that same evening, with a remarkable recovery."
For Cardarelli General Manager Antonio D'Amore, the case is symbolic: "Age shouldn't be a barrier. Thanks to expertise, coordination, and a national-level structure, we can guarantee quality care even for the most fragile and long-lived patients."
The Cardarelli Hospital, with its EUSOMA-certified Breast Unit, performs approximately 600 breast procedures each year, 400 of which are for cancer. This integrated care model brings together oncologists, diagnosticians, and surgeons, with the Multidisciplinary Oncology Group always available to support patients, offering them the best possible support and knowledge. This model combines the work of the Oncology specialists, led by Ferdinando Riccardi, with that of the Breast Diagnostics Unit, led by Salvatore Minelli, and the Breast Surgery Unit.
This story isn't just medical news: it's a testament to how science, combined with humanity, can break down prejudice and restore dignity and well-being even at an age when everything seems beyond reach.
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Comments (1)
This is a very touching story, showing how medicine can work miracles even in old age. It's important that there are facilities like the Cardarelli Hospital that care for vulnerable patients, because everyone deserves attention and adequate care. The patient's resilience is exemplary.