Lead image for Toothache that became a tumour: Woman's 15-year medical nightmare that ended in landmark surgery.
For 15 years, Josephine Nasimiyu lived with a growing swelling on her face and neck, enduring relentless pain, inconclusive diagnoses, and endless searches for treatment.
What began as a simple toothache eventually developed into a massive tumour that left the 63-year-old dependent on powerful painkillers and on the verge of losing hope.
A complex surgery at Wamalwa Kijana Teaching and Referral Hospital (WKTRH) in Trans Nzoia County finally brought an end to her years of suffering while also showcasing the growing capacity of county referral hospitals to perform specialised procedures once available only in major cities.
The troubles of the Machewa, Saboti resident began with pain in a tooth on her upper jaw. Within days, the pain gave way to a swelling that gradually spread across the side of her face and neck. For years, she moved from one health facility to another as the growth continued to enlarge, but none could offer a lasting solution. Over that time, she underwent numerous medical tests. Some ruled out goitre, and at one point she was told she had cancer. Despite repeated consultations, she said she never received a definitive diagnosis or effective treatment.
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Her search intensified in 2014 as her condition worsened. She hopped from one facility to another, including hospitals in Kimilili and Kiminini, and even sought help from traditional herbalists, but all efforts proved futile. By the time she arrived at WKTRH in Kitale, she had exhausted nearly every option available to her.
Medical examinations, including ultrasound and other diagnostic tests, revealed a large salivary gland tumour measuring approximately 18 centimetres at its widest point. It extended from the parotid region into her neck, requiring urgent surgical intervention. Her case would become one of the most technically demanding surgeries ever undertaken at the facility, and a testament to the hospital's expanding capacity to handle complex procedures locally.
"I had lost hope after making endless journeys to seek treatment. I was subjected to all manner of remedies and even turned to traditional surgeons for help. My prayers have finally been answered," she said.