Child with tumor that causes tongue to swell gets help, but still needs further treatment

A child who is suffering from a tumor that causes his tongue to swell as big as his face finally got help, but still needs further treatment for full recovery.

In March, Gadiel Caasugan was diagnosed with hemangioma during his visit with senior ENT (ear, nose, throat) consultant Dr. Gil Vicente of St. Luke's Medical Center.

Apart from Gadiel's tongue bleeding, he also found it difficult to eat, causing his body weight to decline.

According to a "24 Oras" report, Monday, Gadiel already started his treatment last April with the help of JC Cares Foundation, which gave aid for his initial recovery.

Interventional radiologist Dr. Marvin T. Tamaña said Gadiel is being treated through sclerotherapy, where medicine is directly injected to abnormal blood vessels.

"Sinisira po nito ang lining blood vessels. Sa gano'n, mapipigilan po ang patuloy na paglaki at pagdami nito [It damages the blood vessels' lining. This will stop the continuous growth and the increase]."

Gadiel already underwent three sessions, which showed improvement in his condition. He is now able to eat better and go out to play in their neighborhood.

"Nag-iinject kami ng gamot isang beses every four weeks. So far, after the first injection, may bahagya na pong liit ang dila niya. Naigagalaw na rin niya ito ngayon, wala nang pagdurugo," Tamaña said.

("We inject medicine once every four weeks. So far, after the first injection, his tongue has lessened in size and is no longer bleeding. He is now also able to move it.")

Gadiel is thankful that he now feels better, but he still needs further treatment to continue his recovery.

"Ngayon okay na, hindi na nananakit. Salamat sa mga tumulong sa akin. Sana pagpalain kayo ng Diyos. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po ang gamutan ko. Sana tulungan n'yo po ako," he said.

("Now, it doesn't hurt anymore. Thank you to those who helped me. God bless you. Medication and therapy is still ongoing. I hope you can help me.")

Donations are accepted through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, Shopee, GCash, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation will also launch the "Kapuso Kalusugan Konsulta" project on July 1.

For those who wish to seek medical assistance, simply go to the foundation's official Facebook page, send a message, and wait for a staff to reply.

The project does not cover the following conditions: adult cancers, tuberculosis, and kidney diseases.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Franchesca Viernes/MGP, GMA News