A young woman in India is finally getting treated for a rare condition that caused her “defunct” right hand to grow to 22 pounds.
Mita Sabar was admitted to a hospital in Odisha’s capital city of Cuttack on Monday, following a decade of suffering with the enlarged limb that makes it hard for her to work, study or walk on her own, The Times of India reported.
“We will have to carry out some investigations and tests to find out the exact cause behind the unnatural growth of the girl’s palm,” said Dr. Patnaik, the head of plastic surgery at SCB Medical College. “After knowing the exact problem, we will plan the line of treatment.”
Patnaik further identified the condition as a possible rare form of Plexiform neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to form on nerve tissue, but said he cannot be sure until further tests are performed, The Daily Mail reported.
“It is painful and uncomfortable because of its weight. Her hand is defunct, she is not able to do anything with her hand,” he said, adding that treatment could include several surgeries.
Sabar’s plight was first brought to light by Indian media outlets, before the district overseeing her village stepped in to help with her medical issues.
Prior to their intervention, Sabar and her family were unable to afford treatment, the Daily Mail reported. She and her sister were also wary of free medical procedures, as they were uncomfortable signing risk waivers until counselors convinced them to undergo the treatment, according to the outlet.
Sabar’s condition was initially discovered in 2014, after the local health officials performed a screening in her village. She now feels hopeful that her “suffering” will come to an end.
“I have been suffering for years. I hope the doctors at SCB will cure me,” she told the India Times.