Mohammed Mêrko Undergoes Lower-Leg Amputation at 22 After Chondrosarcoma Tumor Grew to Soccer-Ball Size
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · Jul 7
Mohammed Mêrko Undergoes Lower-Leg Amputation at 22 After Chondrosarcoma Tumor Grew to Soccer-Ball Size
1 articles · Updated · Newsweek · Jul 7
Summary
March 24 marked Mêrko’s lower-leg amputation after a chondrosarcoma tumor on his knee became so painful he said he could barely sleep or walk.
The cancer began as a painless grape-sized lump at age 15, but surgery delays during COVID and an incomplete removal let it keep expanding—doubling about every six months.
A second recurrence in 2023 brought scans and monitoring, while Mêrko said financial pressures and time off work made further surgery hard to pursue; he also tried holistic treatment before the tumor worsened.
Now 22, the London man says recovery has been mostly positive despite phantom pain, and he is documenting the aftermath on TikTok as he rebuilds his life.