28-year-old Chinese blogger Yao Meishan has passed away after a courageous fight against a rare form of liver cancer, undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver, a disease documented in only around 400 cases worldwide.
Chinese blogger Yao Meishan. Photo from Yao’s Douyin |
According to Dimsum Dailythe family of Yao, known online as “Give You a Punch,” announced her death in a fan group on Monday, prompting an outpouring of condolences from followers across social media.
Yao first learned of her diagnosis in 2023 during a routine medical examination while applying for a flight attendant position. Despite the news, she continued to share her journey through over 500 videos. In a letter to her fans, she wrote: “Life is unpredictable; we must love it with all our hearts.” She expressed her desire to focus on celebrating life rather than being defined solely by her illness, inspiring countless viewers with her optimism and courage.
On June 4, 2025, Yao underwent a second major surgery, which lasted nearly 15 hours, according to Min.news. Her condition worsened in the weeks that followed.
Medical experts in Hangzhou explained that undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is a rare malignant tumor arising from the liver’s mesenchymal tissues, with just 400 cases reported worldwide. It primarily affects women and is characterized by rapid growth, spontaneous rupture, and poor prognosis.
Symptoms often include abdominal pain or fever due to tumor rupture or internal bleeding. The disease is difficult to diagnose before surgery, as it lacks distinctive clinical signs or reliable imaging markers. Diagnosis relies on pathological biopsy, and treatment typically involves surgical removal, often supplemented by chemotherapy.