Today Hot Report

MIAMI (CBS4) ― Surgeons at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center have given a teenage girl from Vietnam a new lease on life.

Wednesday they spent 12 hours removing a disfiguring 16-pound tumor from the face of 15-year old Lai Thi Dao. The Schwannoma tumor, the largest ever recorded, had been growing since the Dao was 3 and accounted for roughly one-third of the girl’s body weight.

Doctors said the immense growth had threatened to cut off Dao’s airway.

“At this point the tumor is growing back into the throat,” said Dr. Jesus Gomez before the surgery.

Dao was brought in to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami by the International Kids Fund.

After her surgery, Dao should be able to eat, speak and regain function of her neck.

The IKF is seeking donations for Dao’s surgery to help offset the estimated $107-thousand cost. If you’re interested in contributing to Dao’s fund, you can sent a check to: