9 Year Old With Ameloblastoma of the Mandible

This 9 year old boy in Guatemala had an aggressive benign tumor of the mandible called an Ameloblastoma. It’s locally invasive, and often recurs. We removed the tumor, and reconstructed his mandible and now this young man can live a normal life! Completed March 2024! Thank you to our Donors and Surgeons!

Reflections: Dr. Steve Yusupov @hashtagomfs

“Meet Pablo. This super brave young man had a benign tumor that unfortunately was growing large and fast.

I have posted non cancer cases before, stressing that these are NOT supposed to threaten one’s life. I have several examples in the past posts showing neglect and lack of access to care where these got out of hand.

This was another sad story with a happy ending and I thank my partners in this adventure for this @orcaaglobal @smilebackusa @subwrx04 @azoulo @dr.jessli @hadargez

Pablo’s tumor was growing causing him to not be able to eat, speak and attend school. Note in the preop photos how skinny he appears. No it’s not surgical edema in the post photo. He’s catching up with his nutrition.

I normally wouldn’t travel for surgical missions more than once per year but when I was in Guatemala in February 2024 for another case I met Pablo and his mother. I couldn’t allow myself to make him wait until next team trip there, which would be in over 6 months. We put together a small surgical team and made this happen. Again, thank you to everyone involved. He is doing well 💪🏼“

Reflections: Dr. Simon Oh @subwrx04

“This case is very emotional for me. I have children similar age to this young man. He had an aggressive tumor that was removed by @hashtagomfs and reconstructed by @azoulo with a fibula free flap on a 9 year old with 1mm vessels. I can’t expresss my gratitude to my fellow colleagues who share a selfless mission to help save a life with no financial reward or compensation. That’s why I started the @smilebackusa foundation.

I am beyond grateful for the efforts of these fine human beings for completely altering the trajectory of this family. The pain that I saw in the mother brought me to my knees and words cannot express how happy I am that this young man’s nightmare is over. Same goes for ORCAA. It is a mission NOT ABOUT MONEY.

It is about ending pain and suffering because we have the unique ability to do so. I’m going to encourage everyone out there today, to do something kind that is something within your power to make a difference.

Small or big, do something. God bless you all. Thank you @robertofuentesvelasquez @josemolinamuniz @chichu99 @dr.g.dmd.omfs”

9 Year Old With Ameloblastoma of the Mandible