Tan, 68, drank the traditional Asian alcoholic rice wine sake “like water” for 30 years.
Years of alcohol consumption meant Tan developed fatty tumours all over his upper body, and was subsequently diagnosed with Madelung’s disease.
Madelung’s disease is a disorder of fat metabolism, and results in large fat deposits around the neck and shoulder areas.
Tan’s tumours meant his neck is almost the same size as an average mans waist. The condition restricts his airflow.
The man began drinking at 13-years old, he said.
After he turned 40, alcohol became a part of his daily diet.
The giant lumps began to show in 1997. Fourteen years later, and Tan’s neck has grown to its current size.
Doctors are now preparing to surgically remove the growths from Tan’s neck.
The lumps may return if the man continues to drink after his surgery.
“There are only 400-something cases of this disease worldwide,” said Dr Xiao Xuping, doctor at the Human Provincial Hospital in Changsha.
“Some 200 of them have happened in China.”
Adult males are most likely to develop Madelung’s disease, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
The condition is characterised by giant fatty tumours – known as lipoma – located around the neck, on the shoulders, upper arms and upper trunk.
“Madelung’s disease most frequently affects middle-aged males,” said NORD.
“The condition is most common in those who abuse alcohol. However, this disease is also found in women and persons who do not consume alcohol.”
The growths can either grow very quickly over the period of just a few months, or slowly over a number of years.
The rest of the body man be lean in comparison to the neck and shoulders.