The Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) in Cuba has refused to assist a mother seeking to have her son operated on abroad, due to the lack of available solutions within the country. Ana María Sosa Cuesta, a Cuban mother of three young children, shared on her Facebook wall the story of her 11-year-old son, who has a juvenile psammomatoid ossifying fibroma, a highly aggressive benign bone tumor, that has severely deformed his face.
According to her account, it all started with a post-traumatic hematoma following a blow he received. The tumor grew rapidly, reaching the orbital floor, a bony structure formed by the maxillary, palatine, and zygomatic bones.
The boy underwent surgery in March at the Juan Manuel Márquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana. A month and a half later, they had to take him to the head and neck tumor board at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology (INOR) due to the rapid growth of the lesion, which, although rare, poses a high risk of destruction.
"We were told that there is only one option for the boy, which involves a highly complex surgery including facial reconstruction with techniques and equipment that are not available in our country. Therefore, I decided to seek a humanitarian visa for my son," Ana María explained.
"Today, I went to the Ministry of Public Health to ask for guidance on any clinic abroad that treats this type of tumor, and their response was that they do not know of any. How can our medical academy not know of any place in the world where these treatments are performed?" she questioned.
This mother reiterates that she is not asking MINSAP for anything other than the name of an entity she can contact to arrange her son's surgery. "Because I won't settle for 'there isn't any, we don't have,'" she stated.
"I ask everyone who hears my plea to help me find a clinic that performs this treatment so I can process my son's humanitarian visa. I will take care of the rest. Please help us; this grows uncontrollably every day," she pleaded.
Anyone with useful information can call this mother at 53159802.
FAQs on Seeking Medical Treatment Abroad for Rare Tumors
In light of Ana María Sosa Cuesta's urgent plea, here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding seeking medical treatment abroad for rare and aggressive tumors.
What options do Cuban citizens have for seeking medical treatment abroad?
Cuban citizens may seek medical treatment abroad by obtaining a humanitarian visa, which allows them to travel to countries with the necessary medical facilities. However, they often face bureaucratic challenges and require extensive documentation and support.
How can one find international clinics specializing in rare tumors?
One can research international clinics specializing in rare tumors through medical journals, online directories, and international medical networks. Consulting with medical professionals and organizations dedicated to specific conditions can also provide valuable leads.
What challenges do families face when seeking treatment abroad?
Families often face several challenges, including financial constraints, obtaining the necessary visas and travel documents, and navigating foreign healthcare systems. They may also encounter difficulties in getting referrals and support from their home country's medical institutions.