Operation Smile removes child's 4-lb facial tumor

Doctors in Virginia successfully removed a 4-lb tumor from the face of a 15-year-old patient on April 27 as part of Operation Smile's World Care program.

The teen traveled from Haiti for the 12-hour surgery, which was performed by William Magee, DDS, MD, director of cleft lip and cleft palate and craniofacial surgery at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters in Norfolk, and two other Hamptons Roads-based surgeons.

15-year-old Hennglise Dorvial from Haiti underwent surgery to remove an ameloblastoma that had grown inside of her maxillary sinus to the size of two grapefruits. Image courtesy of Operation Smile.

15-year-old Hennglise Dorvial from Haiti underwent surgery to remove an ameloblastoma that had grown inside of her maxillary sinus to the size of two grapefruits. Image courtesy of Operation Smile.

Four years ago, a benign tumor called an ameloblastoma began growing inside of Hennglise Dorvial's maxillary sinus. It had expanded from the size of a pea to the size of two grapefruits. Without treatment, the tumor would have continued to grow.

Through the generosity of worldwide sponsors, Hennglise and her mother traveled from Haiti to seek treatment for the massive facial tumor pressing on her brain and pushing her left eye so far up and out that it had lost function.

Through a partnership with Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere), Hennglise was referred to Operation Smile's World Care program, which arranges for patients with complicated deformities to travel with a guardian to the U.S. for surgical treatment. World Care patients stay with caring host families who provide a nurturing environment and necessary medical accommodations during the patient's treatment and recovery, which can last a month to six months.

Hennglise and her mother are expected to stay for at least six weeks in Virginia Beach for postoperative care.