An Indian man covered head-to-toe in hundreds of tumours that look like bubbles is desperate to find a cure.
Diwakar Bisoye’s largest tumour on his leg weighs around 56lbs (25kg), according to local reports state.
The 65-year-old, of Odisha state, says he is treated worse than a ‘dirty stray animal’ by people in his neighbourhood.
Mr Bisoye has even become house-bound due to his condition, avoiding ever leaving his house out of fear of being ridiculed.
Doctors believe he suffers from neurofibromatosis, a debilitating genetic illness that causes lumps to grow along nerves.
Mr Bisoye’s lumps began appearing around 15 years ago. But his body soon became ravaged entirely, with masses even covering his eyelids.
Diwakar Bisoye, 65, from Odisha State, India, is nicknamed the ‘bubble skin man’ because of a condition which causes hundreds of small lumps under his skin
Mr Bisoye says he is treated worse than a ‘dirty stray animal’ by people in his neighbourhood
Mr Bisoye said: ‘People mock and ridicule me directly. They stare at me and avoid me.
‘Most people act very strange around me. No one likes looking at me or being near me. People think I will infect everything.
‘Landlords don’t want me living in their property or ask me to leave when people complain about my condition. It’s left me without a job for 15 years.’
Dr Subramania Lyer, of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala, said Mr Bisoye likely has neurofibromatosis.
Scientists have classified the disorders into several subtypes, including NF1 and NF2. Another type is called schwannomatosis.
Depending on the type of neurofibromatosis, it can also cause hearing loss, balance and vision problems and freckles on the skin.
An estimated 100,000 Americans have neurofibromatosis, while NF1 and NF2 affects more than 26,000 people in the UK.
Scientists don’t know how to prevent neurofibromas from growing. Surgery is often recommended to remove tumors that are at risk of becoming cancerous.
Mr Bisoye is desperate to have his condition cured. However, he claims no treatment is available near his isolated village.
Dr Lyer said: ‘This is a hereditary genetic disorder and has at present no medical treatment.
‘The only solution is the surgical removal of troublesome swellings. Considering his extensive numbers, this may have to be done in stages’.
It is likely Mr Bisoye suffers from neurofibromatosis, a genetic and incurable illness
The lumps started off as small around 15 years ago. Now, Mr Bisoye’s largest tumour, on his leg, reportedly weighs 4st (25kg) (pictured)
Mr Bisoye, pictured with family, has become house-bound due to his condition in fear of being ridiculed by strangers, he says
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