Srey Vin is a newly married 22-year-old and a mother of a four-month-old son. Her family lives some distance from Phnom Penh, where she and her husband both work in a garment factory that produces name-brand shoes and athletic wear. Srey Vin loves spending time with her baby and listening to the radio or watching music videos on YouTube.
While she was pregnant, a large mass suddenly grew around Srey Vin’s mandible, or jawbone. She went to a clinic near her home but was not able to receive help. The clinic suggested that Srey Vin travel two and a half hours to our medical partner, Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC), for consultation.
At CSC, Srey Vin was diagnosed with a giant cell granuloma - a benign tumor that grows from bone cells. They most often occur in the front portion of the lower jaw. These tumors can grow rapidly, cause pain and destroy bone.
The tumor has grown very large in Srey Vin’s jaw. As a result, she experiences discomfort and difficulty eating and talking. She worries about the tumor growing even larger. Fortunately, the surgeons at CSC can help Srey Vin.
On November 7th, Srey Vin will undergo surgery to remove the mass and place a bone graft from her left fibula onto her mandible. Hopefully, this procedure will decrease the pain and discomfort Srey Vin experiences and improve her ability to talk and eat. Her family needs help to fund the $726 operation.
Srey Vin shared, “I hope I can remove this growth so I stop worrying all the time and can take care of my son.”