A six-year-old boy in Tây Ninh is facing a harrowing ordeal as a result of a massive malignant tumor on his face, a consequence of his father’s decision to pursue unconventional treatment involving the application of herbal leaves. What started as a small bump on the child’s face quickly escalated into a colossal and excruciatingly painful deformity after weeks of this alternative therapy.

The young boy, identified as T., has been undergoing treatment at the Pediatric Department of the Cancer Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly two years. The tumor, originating from the left cheek, has extended to the jawbone, presenting a complex and challenging medical condition.

According to the child’s mother, when T. was four years old, a tiny bump appeared on his face. Despite the mother, who is a pharmacist, suggesting traditional medical care, the father opted for a different approach. In a disagreement over the treatment method, the father took the child to receive herbal leaf applications at a floating health facility in Bình Dương for approximately two weeks.

Tragically, the aftermath of this unconventional treatment was the rapid swelling and subsequent rupture of the small bump, causing immense pain and suffering for the child. The tumor, now identified as a malignant soft tissue sarcoma, has been resistant to numerous chemotherapy sessions, and the child continues to undergo outpatient treatment.

The Social Work Department of the Cancer Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City disclosed that T.’s tumor is an aggressive and extensive sacral tumor affecting the left side of his face and jawbone. The child has endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, with doctors cautioning that surgical intervention might be too risky due to the tumor’s location and extensive growth.

Compounding the tragedy, T.’s parents are no longer living together. Facing substantial financial strain from the ongoing medical expenses, the mother and T. sold their house for over 200 million VND to cover the treatment costs. Subsequently, T.’s mother moved in with her grandmother.

The tumor has now spread to nearly the entire left side of the child’s face, causing severe impairment to his nose and left eye. The excruciating physical and emotional toll on T. is evident, and the child’s quality of life is significantly compromised.

Unfortunately, cases of individuals opting for unconventional treatments, such as the application of herbal leaves, in lieu of professional medical care are not uncommon in Vietnam. Despite medical professionals consistently emphasizing the importance of evidence-based treatments, some individuals resort to alternative methods, often with tragic consequences.

In light of T.’s case, medical authorities reiterate the dangers of self-administered treatments and urge individuals to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. Scientifically validated methods, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are proven to be effective in managing such conditions when administered by qualified healthcare professionals.

This heart-wrenching story serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for public awareness on the risks associated with unverified medical treatments and the importance of timely and appropriate medical interventions.