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Editha DadoresElderly Filipina with Inverted Papilloma
Country:
 Philippines |
Content:
- Elderly Filipina with Inverted Papilloma
- Misdiagnosis and Worsening Symptoms
- Diagnosis and Treatment Dilemma
- Support and Hope
- Inverted Papilloma
- Symptoms of an inverted papilloma include:
Elderly Filipina with Inverted Papilloma
For four years, a massive tumor ravaged the face of an elderly woman, distorting her skull like an animalistic snout, all while being misdiagnosed as a common sinus infection.
Misdiagnosis and Worsening Symptoms
Edita DaDores, now 71 years old, first experienced pain in her nostrils about 48 months ago. She promptly sought treatment from a medical facility near her home in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where she was given medication and advice. However, her condition only worsened. DaDores continued to suffer from symptoms resembling sinusitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses that is typically caused by a viral infection and can be treated within a matter of weeks.
In 2015, DaDores underwent surgery, but despite the procedure and subsequent medication, the growth on her face continued to enlarge uncontrollably, eventually eroding the front of her skull.
Diagnosis and Treatment Dilemma
For four years, the grandmother of 16 was left in limbo until specialists finally diagnosed her with an inverted papilloma, a nasal tumor. Doctors recommended facial reconstruction but warned of the high risks involved.
"My mother-in-law started experiencing pain four years ago, which was diagnosed as sinusitis with a warning that it could turn cancerous," said DaDores' daughter-in-law, 33-year-old Renalyn.
"Edita has undergone various treatments since then, but nothing seems to stop the tumor. It's like watching a slow-motion car crash and being helpless about it," Renalyn added. "The tumor has grown so large that it has disfigured my mother-in-law's face, making it look like an anteater. It's so heartbreaking."
"Currently, Edita is not in pain because she is taking medications. However, she has difficulty speaking, sleeping, and eating. Her face is very deformed, and her facial bones are broken," Renalyn said.
A photograph taken in 2012 shows a petite, graceful woman who bears no resemblance to her current condition.
A CT scan performed in November 2017 illustrated the severe damage the 71-year-old's facial structures sustained from the inverted papilloma.
DaDores is currently in a hospital in Palawan, where medical professionals are still debating which specialist should take over her case. The next course of treatment remains uncertain.
"Doctors are waiting for results of numerous tests before proceeding with the next phase of treatment," Renalyn added.
Support and Hope
"We have received support from a charitable organization that helped cover some of my mother-in-law's medical expenses," Renalyn said. "Doctors are waiting for the right hospital to accept and operate on Edita. We hope that she can be transferred to Manila soon."
"Edita has four sons, two daughters, and 16 grandchildren who all love her very much. Before the growth started, she used to be beautiful," Renalyn recalled.
Inverted Papilloma
Inverted papilloma is a benign tumor commonly found in the epithelial tissue of the nasal cavity. It can sometimes spread to nearby sinuses or eye sockets as it grows. In rare cases, inverted papilloma can transform into a malignant, aggressive form called squamous cell carcinoma.
Symptoms of an inverted papilloma include:
- Blocked nasal passages (usually one-sided)- Runny nose with watery mucus
- Sinus infection
- Nosebleeds
