Doctors Help Boy With Giant Hand

Boy with Enlarged Hand

Because of their rarity, proper diagnosis and treatment of conditions, like Rohit's, is difficult. Doctors not in the field may see only two cases in a lifetime of practice. Lenox Hill, as a center for vascular surgery, treats 15 patients a week from all around the world, according to Rosen.

Congenital vascular malformations, like Rohit's, stimulate the growth of blood vessels -- as in varicose veins -- that enlarge the limb. Because the growths "steal" blood from the circulatory system and restrict flow in the tissue and the nerves that surround them, they can cause excruciating pain.

In the past, the only remedy for these conditions was surgical removal, which could cause the risk of blood loss and even death. But now, catheters have been developed and the growth is injected with substances like biological glues and absolute alcohol to break down the lesions.

The condition, which develops in vitro when the vein-artery system becomes intertwined, is not genetic. It should also not be confused with external hemangiomas, which are commonly known as "strawberries" and often disappear without treatment.

Rare and 'Complicated' Condition

"No one knows why the vascular system organizes like this," said Rosen. "It's a complicated affair, and unlike birthmarks, these malformations are part of the body tissues."

As is typical in these cases, the lump on Rohit's hand was small at birth but eventually grew at the same rate the child grew, according to Rosen. By the time he was 4, the mass involved his forearm and was so large none of his fingers were visible.

"His hand was filled with blood, and ... he literally had to live with his hand above his head," said Rosen.

The doctor described the boy as "charming" and was surprised at his adjustment, despite the pain and disability. Local doctors had told the family, "There was nothing to be done."

Since arriving in New York, the boy, who speaks "superb English," has acted as translator for his family, none of whom, except the uncle, speaks English.

For the last year, Rohit's mother was unable to come to the United States because she had no visa. But hospital officials said Rosen, whom they described as a "modest" man who didn't like fanfare, successfully pleaded with the U.S. embassy to secure her visa so she could be with her son for the final round of surgeries.

Rohit was understandably nervous before this week's surgery, they said.