Durham man, 23, saved by groundbreaking surgery after rare cancer diagnosis

A young Durham man is recovering after a huge operation in Newcastle removed a 22cm tumour from his chest discovered after what started as a persistent cough.

Jean Paul Goule, 23, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive germ cell cancer that had spread across his chest, affecting his heart, lung and major blood vessels. He underwent chemotherapy before being referred to the Freeman Hospital, one of few UK centres capable of performing the complex surgery.

A team of cardiac and thoracic specialists successfully removed the tumour, his left lung and part of his diaphragm in a procedure described by surgeons as one of the most difficult they had ever attempted.

Now months on, Jean Paul is continuing to recover well following additional chemo and a stem cell transplant. He said the experience has changed his outlook on life and praised the compassion and care he received from NHS staff.