Many new diseases are emerging daily to challenge doctors and science. I will discuss here a new and strange disease known as tree man syndrome and everything you should know.
Imagine waking up to skin that emerges bark-like growths, gnarled and rough like ancient trees. That's the reality for people with "tree man syndrome," a rare condition officially known as epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV). This isn't a fairy tale; it's a genetic twist that leaves the skin vulnerable to an unusual strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
This virus, usually harmless, thrives on this weakened defence, causing uncontrollable growth of skin cells, forming wart-like structures that can grow into large, painful horns. While not truly transforming people into trees, the nickname "tree man syndrome" captures this condition's dramatic and challenging nature. So, let's explore deeper into this strange, fascinating, yet challenging, medical mystery. What are its symptoms? And is there any treatment? Let's know everything!
What is Tree Man Syndrome?
Imagine tree bark growing where skin should be. This rare condition, called Tree Man Syndrome, causes abnormal growths that resemble wood. Triggered by a faulty immune system and certain viruses, it leads to thick, wart-like structures that can cover hands, feet, and even faces. While not contagious, Tree Man Syndrome significantly impacts daily life, affecting movement and raising the risk of skin cancer. Though treatable with surgery and medication, managing this challenging condition requires close medical attention and support.
Tree Man Syndrom Causes
Though the exact cause of Tree Man Syndrome is not known, scientists have unearthed some intriguing clues. The primary culprit seems to be a malfunctioning immune system, specifically its inability to fight off certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Normally, our immune system keeps HPV infections in check, causing harmless warts or resolving on their own. However, in individuals with Tree Man Syndrome, a genetic twist throws a wrench into this process, allowing HPV to run rampant. This unchecked viral activity triggers an overproduction of skin cells, resulting in the characteristic wart-like growths that resemble bark, hence the syndrome's name. Though the specific genetic mutation is still being pinpointed, understanding this interplay between immunity and viral infection is crucial for developing effective treatments and potentially unlocking the secrets of this rare and fascinating condition.
Tree Man Syndrome Surgery
Tree Man Syndrome, a rare condition causing bark-like growths on the skin, can be treated with surgery. Doctors carefully remove the growths, often using lasers or scalpels. While the surgery itself can be complex, it can significantly improve a patient's life. Though growths may return, regular removal procedures can manage the condition and ease the discomfort. Early diagnosis and proactive treatment are key for optimal outcomes in Tree Man Syndrome surgery.
Is Tree Man Syndrome Curable?
A patient with Tree Man Syndrome, cannot be cured completely according to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Centre. Surgery is the only option, using which doctors remove the unwanted part. But it comes back again and because of this, it has to be removed again and again by cutting. If this disease is not treated properly, it may lead to skin cancer.
Unfortunately, Tree Man Syndrome, also known as Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis, isn't curable yet. The virus behind it, combined with a weakened immune system, keeps triggering the growth of painful, bark-like structures. However, hope isn't lost! Treatments like retinoids and surgery can manage the growth and reduce the risk of skin cancer, a common complication. While it's a lifelong journey, research for a cure is ongoing, and scientists are diligently exploring gene therapy and immune system boosters. So, though there's no immediate fix, the future for Tree Man Syndrome patients holds the promise of brighter days.
Tree Man Syndrome Feet
Imagine feet transformed, not soft skin and nimble toes, but gnarled wood and twisting branches. This is the haunting reality of Tree Man Syndrome, a rare condition where a harmless virus hijacks the skin's growth. The feet, typically our sturdy anchors, become strangely beautiful, erupting in bark-like lesions that spiral and crackle. Though captivating, these woody growths can be painful and debilitating, hindering even simple steps. While treatment can manage the overgrowth, the spectre of barken feet remains, a poignant reminder of nature's unpredictable touch.
The First Girl in the World Affected with Tree Man Syndrome
There are many strange diseases in the world. But Abul Bajandar and Shahana of Bangladesh have a strange disease. 'Trees' have grown on his hands, feet and face. Bajandar has undergone surgery 26 times till now, and despite this, it has not been cured. Because of this, it is not easy for them to do any work. After all, what is this disease?
Shahana Khatoon, who lives in a rural area of Bangladesh, was affected by this disease 5 years ago. She was only 10 years old then. When a wart-like tree bark was seen on his face, his father thought that it might be a wart which would get cured in a few days. Her father did not take it seriously, but when it started spreading more on her face, it started spreading. When her father took her to Dhaka, it was revealed that she was the world's first girl suffering from Tree Man Syndrome. This disease makes one helpless.
Only a few people in the world are suffering from this disease and till now all those affected were men. Doctors said that this is a rare genetic disease in which tree bark-like structures start emerging in humans, especially in hands and feet.
.jpeg "Tree Man Syndrome")
Registered Cases of Tree Man Syndrome
Abul Bajandar of Bangladesh is also in its grip. In the year 2016, when tree-like trunks started growing in his hands and legs, he reached the hospital. He remained admitted for a few days, but one day he ran away. As a result, it spread and warts up to 10 kg appeared. Feeling helpless, he was again admitted to the hospital and till now it has been removed through surgery 26 times. The government has ordered free treatment.
According to doctors, it is a genetic disease in which body structures develop along with the skin abnormally. According to the Genetic and Rare Disease Information Centre, it is not possible to tell how many people are affected by it in the world, but more than 200 cases have been registered. It is so painful that it becomes impossible for the patient to do any work.
Living With Tree Man Syndrome
Many times the condition becomes such that the patient is neither able to eat food nor drink water with his hands. And neither can anyone do any work. Bajandar could not even hold his daughter. Some people have become completely helpless because of this. A man doesn't even touch his wife and children. He is afraid that it might happen to him too.
What does the Doctors Say
According to doctors, its treatment requires a lot of patience and continuous treatment. Often people run away in between. Stop the medicines. Sometimes financial constraints are also responsible for this. But they should not do this. Because if it is not stopped in time, it will spread throughout the body and then it will become very difficult.
Conclusion
While science has progressed so much that it has succeeded in finding the cure for every disease, new and strange diseases are emerging every day to challenge it. Tree man syndrome is a rare and strange disease that has gripped over 200 people in the world, mostly men. But Suhana Khatoon of Bangladesh is probably the first girl in the world to be affected by this strange disease. I've discussed here the causes, symptoms and more about the disease here. Though it is not curable yet, but can be controlled by only operation.
.webp)
0 Comments