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Spice of life, China ‘cancer’ man relieved to find chilli from hotpot caused 2-year cough
- Surgical intervention solves mystery of 2-year cough for man who thought he was suffering from cancer
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![A man in China who had been coughing for two years and thought he had cancer has been relieved to discover that the cause of his discomfort was a chilli pepper. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/23/0ce5d6c8-c00b-4165-ab1d-0333171b256f_806a4730.jpg?itok=8i_qm1hy&v=1721720183)
Yating Yangin Beijing
A man in China who had been coughing for more than two years and feared he had lung cancer was relieved to discover that the cause was a chilli pepper he had choked on during a hotpot meal.
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The 54-year-old, surnamed Xu, from Zhejiang province in eastern China, had been taking over-the-counter medication for a persistent cough but saw no improvement.
In late June, concerned about his condition, he sought professional help at the Thoracic Surgery Department at Zhejiang Hospital.
A scan revealed a 1cm mass in his lung and led to fears of pneumonia or a malignant tumour.
![Xu probably swallowed the chilli pepper at a restaurant like the one above. Photo: Shutterstock Xu probably swallowed the chilli pepper at a restaurant like the one above. Photo: Shutterstock](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2024/07/23/af74f0fa-20cc-4041-9344-3025704e1a88_5b250ae1.jpg)
A pre-surgery examination confirmed a growth in his right lung, heightening his lung cancer concerns.
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