‘Tree man’ syndrome: A decade without touch

Mahmoud Taluli couldn't use his hands for over a decade due to painful growths caused by epidermodysplasia verruciformis, also known as "tree man" syndrome.

44-year-old Mahmoud Taluli from Gaza is one of fewer than 10 people worldwide diagnosed with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), commonly known as "tree man" syndrome, according to 2023 data from the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

For over 10 years, thousands of painful lesions covered Taluli's hands, rendering them unusable. In 2019, he underwent a series of surgeries at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem to remove the growths and restore function to his hands.

Following the surgery, Taluli reported a life-changing improvement, enabling him to play with his children, something he couldn't do before. Doctor Michael Chernofsky, Taluli's physician, expressed hope for developing a treatment that would bolster patients' immune systems against human papillomavirus (HPV).

Mahmoud Talulli and Doctor Michael Chernofsky at Hadassah University Medical Center in 2019. Photo: Hadassah University Medical Center

Mahmoud Talulli and Doctor Michael Chernofsky at Hadassah University Medical Center in 2019. Photo: Hadassah University Medical Center

Not all cases are as successful. Abul Bajandar, 37, known as the "tree man" of Bangladesh, underwent 25 surgeries between 2016 and 2019 to remove growths from his hands and feet. Initially, doctors removed about 5 kg of growths, offering a glimmer of hope.

However, Bajandar's condition worsened, with some growths returning larger than before. He was re-admitted to the hospital in 1/2019, pleading with doctors to amputate his hands to relieve the unbearable pain.

"I can't bear the pain anymore. I can't sleep at night. I asked the doctors to cut off my hands so I can at least get some relief," Bajandar told AFP. His mother, Amina Bibi, added, "At least he will be free of pain. It’s a hell of a disease."

Another case is that of Muktamoni, a young girl from Bangladesh whose body has been ravaged by "tree man" syndrome. The right side of her chest, extending down to her hand, has turned brown and bark-like. Her right hand is also clenched and unusable. Doctors are puzzled that the left side of her chest remains unaffected, despite the disease's spread throughout her body.

Abul Bajandar. Photo: EPA

Abul Bajandar. Photo: EPA

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), or "tree man" syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that causes bark-like growths on the skin. The condition is incurable, incredibly painful, and can become cancerous if left untreated.

Individuals with EV have immune deficiencies that make them extremely susceptible to HPV. While surgery can remove the growths, the condition often recurs. Doctor Anthony Youn, a plastic surgeon in Michigan, USA, explained that EV is a very rare genetic disorder, usually inherited from both parents. The disease typically manifests in people in their twenties and makes them prone to other illnesses due to weakened immune systems.