He syndrome tree mano epidermodysplasia verruciformis (VE), is an extremely rare and complex condition that affects the skin. It is characterized by the growth of skin lesions with a rough appearance and similar to the bark of a treehence its name.
These bumps are visually striking and can be painful and debilitatingleading sufferers to face physical and emotional challenges. The condition is rare and it is estimated that only a few have been recorded. 200 cases in medical historymaking it one of the rarest and most puzzling diseases.
The condition is known by formation of lumps or growths on the skin that imitate the bark of a tree. These can appear on different parts of the body, such as the face, hands, feet, and in some cases, cover large areas of the torso. Over the years, people affected by this syndrome experienced a number of additional symptoms, including pain, movement dysfunctionand an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
According to the specialized health site Very Well Healththe symptoms of epidermodysplasia verruciformis are quite distinctive, making it easier to visual diagnosis. The main sign is the development of skin growths that look similar to tree bark, which can vary in size and texture.
These growths are known as wartsand may be flat or raised, reddish-brown, scaly, or even with a mottled appearance. These growths tend to concentrate on sun-exposed areas, such as the face, hands, feet, and torso.
As the lumps grow, they can fuse and expand, which causes pain due to the pressure exerted on the underlying nerves. In extreme cases, these growths can become so large that they make it difficult to move and do daily activities, such as using your hands.
Furthermore, some of these lumps can become tumorswhich considerably increases the risk of developing skin cancerespecially squamous cell carcinomasa type of aggressive skin cancer.
WebMD He also mentioned the pain associated with the syndrome as another side effect. The growths affect the surface of the skin and can extend under the dermisputting pressure on the nerves and causing constant discomfort. This contributes to the functional disability of people who suffer from the disease.
Tree man syndrome has a genetic rootthat is, it is caused by mutations in certain genes that affect the immune system. In most cases, the disease is inherited autosomal recessivemeaning that both parents must carry the defective gene, even if they have no symptoms.
Parents can pass on the mutation unknowingly, and the chances of a child inheriting the condition are 25% if both parents carry the defective gene, according to information from Very Well Health.
The mutations most commonly associated with this syndrome affect the genes EVER1 y EVER2which are essential for the function of the immune system in fighting infections. These mutations mean that affected people cannot defend themselves effectively against certain strains of the virus. human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strains HPV 5, 8 y 10which have the ability to induce uncontrolled skin growth.
In addition to the hereditary form, there is an acquired variant of the syndrome that affects individuals with immune systems committed. WebMD indicates that people with conditions such as HIV/AIDScertain blood disorders, or those taking immunosuppressive medications may develop EV due to their increased vulnerability to HPV infections. These cases are not so common, but they are especially serious because growths and lesions can develop more quickly.
The diagnosis of tree man syndrome It is based mainly on clinical observation. Doctors can identify the disease due to the distinctive appearance of growths on the skin, but, in some cases, a biopsy to confirm the presence of genetic mutations and to identify the HPV types involved. According to the information of Very Well Healththis test helps rule out other skin diseases that may have similar symptoms.
Microscopic examinations of the lesions can reveal typical features of epidermodysplasia verruciformis, such as cellular alterations and the presence of HPV in the affected tissues. Sometimes, doctors also perform genetic testing to look for mutations in genes. EVER1 y EVER2which can help confirm the diagnosis in family cases.
Currently, medical specialists from the media consulted assure that there is no cure for tree man syndrome, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and manage skin growths.
The main treatment for skin growths involves surgery to remove lesions, a process that may include techniques such as cryotherapy (freezing of lesions), electrosurgeryo laser ablation. However, due to the recurrent nature of the disease, patients may require several surgical interventions throughout their life, as the growths may return after being removed.
They are also used retinoid medicationssuch as isotretinoin (commonly used to treat severe acne), which can help reduce the formation of new bumps, although the results are not always permanent.
Another key strategy is skin cancer preventionsince people with EV have a significantly increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. To reduce this risk, patients should avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen regularly.
Treatment of cancer in cases where it is detected may include oncological surgery to remove the tumors and reconstruct the affected skin, but as in many cases of EV, the risk of recurrence is high.
One of the main health problems associated with tree man syndrome is the increased risk of developing skin cancerparticularly squamous cell carcinoma. It is estimated that more than half of individuals with EV develop skin cancer between the ages of 40 and 50. WebMD reported that exposure to sunlight is an aggravating factor, since UV rays can stimulate the growth of tumors and accelerate their progression towards malignant forms. Therefore, sun protection is essential to prevent lesions from turning into cancer.
The prognosis of people with tree man syndrome depends largely on the early detection and the timely treatment. Although the disease does not shorten patients’ life expectancy, the tumors and complications associated with skin cancer can seriously affect quality of life. Ongoing treatment, which includes Periodic removal of lesions and management of cancer risksis essential for a favorable prognosis.
Despite available treatments, such as surgery and medication, skin growths usually return over timewhich involves lifelong treatment and monitoring. However, those who receive early and appropriate medical care can experience a relatively normal lifeas long as they remain vigilant about the development of new lumps and tumors.
