Man has something coming out of his face. When the doctors see it, they call the cops. A farmer’s son suffering from a large facial tumor is looking for love after having life-changing surgery.
Litrah, a 23-year-old farmer’s son from a remote village in Bihar, North India, had lived a life of isolation and hardship due to a large facial tumor. The tumor, caused by the genetic condition neurofibromatosis, had grown progressively larger over the years, making his face sag and causing him immense physical and emotional pain. Living in a tiny shed, Litrah was tasked with caring for his family’s buffaloes. His days were spent in solitude, and his nights were filled with the discomfort of mosquito bites and the stifling heat of his makeshift sleeping quarters.
The tumor made it difficult for him to eat, drink, and even speak. The villagers, unable to understand his condition, often stared and laughed at him, adding to his sense of isolation.
“When I was a kid, the tumor was smaller. It grew as I grew, but no one paid attention to it,” Litrah recounted. “Whatever work I do, I do at home. If I go anywhere, people laugh and stare, and I get embarrassed. Sometimes I feel so lonely because I have no one to talk to. I cry when I’m on my own.”
Litrah harbored dreams of earning money, working hard, going out to work, and finding a wife. However, his condition made these aspirations seem impossible. Despite the bleakness of his situation, Litrah’s life took a dramatic turn when an amazing team of doctors came together to help him. His story caught the attention of a TV series aimed at revealing inspiring human stories and the pioneering surgeries that transform lives.
The show followed Litrah’s journey as the medical team battled to save him and give him a chance at a better life. The team of doctors, led by Dr. Vavi Kumar from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, knew that the surgery to remove Litrah’s tumor would be incredibly risky. The growth extended from his forehead over part of his cheek, part of his ear, going behind the ear, involving the neck, chin, and even up to the chest. The tumor was packed with tiny blood vessels that would bleed heavily when cut. Additionally, Litrah suffered from abnormally low levels of hemoglobin due to poor nutrition, further complicating the surgery.
The decision to undergo the six-hour surgery was not easy for Litrah. He was scared, unsure if he would live or die.
“Having the operation was scary because I didn’t know if I would live or die,” Litrah admitted. “But I knew I had to go through with it because I couldn’t carry on as I was. Not only was it making me sad, but it was making everyone around me sad.”
The surgery was fraught with challenges. Midway through the operation, Litrah began to bleed excessively, losing 1.2 liters of blood—five times the safe amount. His vital signs became critically unstable, and the medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize him. Dr. Kumar, who had never seen such a large tumor in his career, led the team with precision and determination.
Miraculously, the surgery was a success. Litrah’s tumor was removed, and his life began to change dramatically. He no longer had to hide in the shadows or endure the pain and embarrassment caused by his condition. Litrah could finally look forward to a brighter future.
“I feel very happy because things are much better,” Litrah said after the surgery. “I can go to work and earn money, and maybe now I can find a wife. My future wife should be a little educated, be able to run the household, maintain the house, and be beautiful.”
The villagers, who had once shunned Litrah, now came together to support him. They planned to help him build a home of his own—a massive change from the tiny shed he had been forced to live in. Litrah’s transformation became a symbol of hope and resilience for the community.
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition that causes swellings or lumps, known as neurofibromas, due to the growth of cells. While many people with the condition inherit it from their parents, up to 50% of cases develop randomly from a gene mutation before birth. Despite their alarming appearance, the growths are not cancerous or contagious.
Litrah’s story gained widespread attention, bringing awareness to the challenges faced by individuals with neurofibromatosis. His courage and determination inspired many, and his journey was a testament to the power of medical advancements and the human spirit.
With his newfound confidence, Litrah began to explore opportunities he had once thought impossible. He found work, interacted with people without fear of judgment, and even began to entertain the idea of finding love. His transformation not only improved his physical health but also had a profound impact on his mental and emotional well-being.
Litrah’s journey from a life of isolation and hardship to one of hope and possibility is a powerful reminder of the impact that medical intervention and community support can have on an individual’s life. His story highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need to address the stigma associated with conditions like neurofibromatosis.
Through the dedication of the medical team and the support of his community, Litrah was given a second chance at life. His story serves as an inspiration to all, demonstrating that with courage, resilience, and the right support, it is possible to overcome even the most challenging obstacles. As Litrah looks forward to the future, he remains hopeful and determined to make the most of his new lease on life. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion and medical innovation.
