Malagasy Mother Receives Life-Changing Surgery After 10 Years with Tumour
A mother of three from Madagascar has finally received life-changing surgery after living with a painful facial tumour for nearly a decade.
Theogette, a resident of rural Madagascar, underwent the operation aboard the hospital ship Africa Mercy, operated by the humanitarian organisation Mercy Ships.
According to the organisation, Theogette’s condition began as a severe toothache. After the affected tooth was removed at a local clinic, a swelling gradually developed along her jaw and continued to grow over the years until it affected the entire lower part of her face.
The tumour, identified as Ameloblastoma, is one of the most common odontogenic tumours and accounts for around one to three per cent of tumours affecting the head and neck region. Although benign, the condition can grow significantly over time and interfere with eating, breathing and daily activities if left untreated.
For nearly ten years, Theogette endured both physical pain and social isolation as rumours and misconceptions about her condition spread throughout her community. The stigma eventually led to her husband abandoning the family, leaving her to raise their three children alone while continuing to work in the rice fields to support them.
“People said I was sick and contagious,” Theogette said. “I still had to go to the farm to feed my children, although the swelling hurt when I worked for too long.”
Hope emerged when her nephew, Ronaldo, a medical student, learned about the surgical services provided by Mercy Ships and encouraged her to seek treatment.
“She even avoided interacting with people anymore,” Ronaldo said, describing how the condition had affected his aunt’s life. “I called her to come because I knew they could treat her.”
Determined to find help, Theogette travelled for three days by canoe, ferry and car to reach the port city of Toamasina, where the hospital ship was providing medical services.
On board the Africa Mercy, volunteer surgeons successfully removed the tumour, allowing Theogette to begin the process of recovery and rebuilding her life.
Health experts say her story reflects broader challenges faced by many patients across sub-Saharan Africa who struggle to access timely surgical care due to limited health resources and specialist services.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare, Mercy Ships works with governments and medical institutions across Africa to strengthen surgical systems and train healthcare professionals.
The organisation has announced plans to return to Madagascar in early May to continue providing surgical care and training in partnership with national health authorities.
