A man who underwent a life-saving liver transplant found himself fighting a devastating battle with cancer less than a year later—cancer that originated from the organ donor.

The 41-year-old Californian patient, suffering from chronic liver disease, had no idea that the donor’s liver, which saved his life, would also bring him to an untimely death.

The Unseen Risk of Organ Donation

The patient’s transplant took place in 2001, when a 63-year-old deceased donor, who had passed away from a stroke, provided the liver.

At the time of the surgery, lab tests showed no signs of cancer in the donor’s liver, lungs, or chest.

However, an autopsy performed shortly after the transplant revealed the donor had metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma, a form of lung cancer that had spread to the chest area.

This shocking discovery led the medical team to urgently relist the patient for another liver.

A Second Transplant and Temporary Hope

Seven days after the donor’s cancer was uncovered, the patient received a second liver transplant.

This time, the new liver appeared to be cancer-free, and the patient seemed to recover well from the procedure.

However, despite a routine CT scan ten months later showing no signs of cancer, the patient soon began experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness.

The Shocking Return of Cancer

Tests revealed that the patient had developed metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma—the exact same type of cancer that had killed his original donor.

The immunosuppressant drugs used to prevent organ rejection likely allowed the cancer to grow and spread more aggressively, making it harder to treat.

Chemotherapy was planned, but just a month after the cancer diagnosis, the patient developed severe complications, including fluid buildup and blood clots.

Despite efforts to stabilize him, the patient tragically passed away within 24 hours of being admitted to the hospital.

Understanding the Rare Phenomenon of Donor Cancer Transmission

This case stands as the first documented instance of cancer transmission through organ donation, even though the initial organ had been removed and replaced.

Medical experts believe tiny, undetectable cancer cells might have migrated from the donor’s lungs to the liver, explaining why the transplant seemed safe at first.

Cancer transmission through organ donation is extremely rare, and while there have been a few scattered reports in medical literature, comprehensive data on the subject is limited.

A 2013 review found only isolated cases of cancer being transmitted from donor to recipient, but these occurrences remain so rare that no clear risk assessment can be made.

The review highlighted a range of cancers, including breast, colon, liver, lung, and prostate cancers, that have been transmitted in such instances.

A Rare and Heartbreaking Occurrence

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the complexities and potential risks involved in organ transplantation.

While organ donation saves many lives, it can also carry hidden dangers.

Although such cases are exceedingly rare, this incident emphasizes the need for comprehensive screening and ongoing monitoring to ensure the safety of transplant recipients.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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