Woman with ‘cauliflower-sized’ lump receives help from Kapuso Foundation

A woman suffering from a lump as big as a cauliflower on her genital area received surgery with GMA Kapuso Foundation’s help.

According to a “24 Oras” report Wednesday, Marina (not her real name) underwent an operation in April and June after seeking help from the foundation. Her only family member did not have the means to help her.

She was diagnosed with a kind of squamous cell carcinoma in a Buschke-Lowenstein tumor secondary to human papillomavirus, said dermatologist Dr. Grace Beltran.

“Ibig sabihin, in simple terms, genital wart na nagkaroon ng cancer,” she said.

“Tinatawag na giant condylomata acuminata at yung isang lesion niya ay verruca vulgaris,” added Dr. German Tan Cardoso II, chairman of East Avenue Medical Center’s obstetrics and gynecology department.

According to Cardoso, Marina’s condition was possibly brought about by skin to skin contact.

"Nakukuha 'yan ng skin contact. Nahahawa sa isang tao na merong ganyang viral infection. Hindi naman necessarily sexual intercourse lang," he said.

During the initial operation, a portion of Marina’s lump was excised.

“Dahil sa laki ng bukol, ‘di muna lahat natanggal at may natira pang bukol sa kanyang pwetan,” Cordoso said. “Hindi lang namin pinagsabay kasi gusto namin mag-hilom muna yung sa maselang parte niya.”

Cordoso advised the public to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus, which is available for those nine years old and above. He also said people should practice safe sex.

Marina is still in need of more procedures and medications to fully recover.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, Shopee, GCash, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. — Franchesca Viernes/BM, GMA News