Born With a Small Lump on His Neck, This Boy Grew Up With a Mass Almost the Size of His Face

When Thandolubanduzi Sinemphilo was just three months old, his family noticed a swelling on the left side of his neck. What began as a small lump would continue to grow over the years, eventually spreading across his jaw and neck until it became almost as large as his face.

Known as Thando, the seven-year-old boy from Eswatini lived with a rare congenital condition that made everyday activities increasingly difficult. Speaking became harder, and the large mass affected his ability to eat and swallow comfortably. His appearance also made it difficult for him to connect with other children, leaving him spending much of his time alone.

His family struggled to afford the specialized treatment he needed. But in August 2026, Thando travelled to South Korea for an operation that would change the course of his care.

A Rare Condition That Kept Growing

Thando was born with a venolymphatic malformation, a rare congenital condition involving abnormally developed blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. These vessels can form an abnormal mass that grows through surrounding tissues.

Thando had the microcystic form of the condition. Unlike a single, well-defined cyst, microcystic malformations spread among normal muscles, nerves and blood vessels. This makes them particularly difficult to remove safely.

As the malformation expanded, it covered much of his jaw and neck. It also displaced and compressed his airway, creating a serious risk to his breathing. Muscles involved in chewing, swallowing and moving his neck were affected, while important nerves and blood vessels ran through or around the abnormal tissue.

Without treatment, doctors feared the mass could continue to grow, potentially making breathing and swallowing even more difficult.

A Family Unable to Afford the Treatment

Thando lived with his mother, stepfather and younger sister in a family facing severe financial hardship. His stepfather worked as a truck driver, earning approximately US$125 a month, according to Severance Hospital.

The cost of specialized treatment was beyond the family’s means. As the mass grew, Thando also experienced social difficulties. Other children were sometimes reluctant to spend time with him, and he was unable to attend school, spending much of his time isolated at home.

His case eventually reached medical professionals connected to Yonsei University College of Medicine in South Korea. After reviewing his medical records and circumstances, Severance Hospital selected him for its Global Severance, Global Charity program, which brings patients to South Korea for treatment when care is inaccessible in their home countries.

The hospital covered approximately 90 million South Korean won in medical expenses, allowing Thando to receive specialized care without placing the full financial burden on his family.

A High-Risk Operation in South Korea

When doctors examined Thando, they discovered that the malformation had spread deeply through the tissues of his jaw and neck. His airway had been pushed away from its normal position, making it difficult to insert a breathing tube safely before surgery.

The medical team spent approximately 40 minutes securing his airway and around two hours on anesthesia and surgical preparation. The procedure required careful coordination because the abnormal tissue surrounded important structures, including nerves responsible for tongue movement and facial expression, as well as a major artery supplying blood to the face and neck.

Led by ear, nose and throat specialist Dr. Da-hee Kim, the surgical team removed a substantial portion of the malformation. The excised tissue measured approximately 15 centimeters by 10 centimeters—an extraordinary size for a child.

Rather than trying to remove every last part of the mass, the surgeons prioritized preserving Thando’s ability to breathe, speak and swallow. Removing the remaining tissue near the base of his tongue and throat could have required major reconstructive surgery and carried a high risk of serious complications.

About 95% Removed—but Treatment Continues

The operation removed approximately 95% of the malformation. Although this was a major step forward, some abnormal tissue remained near the base of his tongue and in the oropharynx, the area at the back of the mouth and upper throat.

After surgery, Thando received intensive medical care from a multidisciplinary team. Specialists also discussed treatment with sirolimus, a medication that may help control the growth of certain vascular and lymphatic malformations.

Before he returned to Eswatini, doctors arranged for him to continue taking the medication under medical supervision, undergo regular blood tests and receive follow-up care through a hospital in South Africa.

The plan reflects an important reality: complex malformations may require long-term management even after a successful operation. Removing most of the mass does not necessarily mean the condition has been cured.

A New Dream After Meeting His Doctors

During his treatment, Thando began imagining a different future. Watching the doctors and nurses care for him inspired him to express a dream he had not previously shared.

He told the medical team that he wanted to become a doctor like the people who had helped him.

His words offered a moving glimpse of how the experience affected him. A boy who had spent much of his childhood isolated because of his condition had encountered people who treated him with care and helped him regain hope.

Thando’s journey is not over. He still needs medication, blood tests and follow-up appointments to monitor the remaining malformation. But the surgery has addressed a substantial part of the problem while prioritizing the functions he needs for everyday life.

His story is also a reminder that children living with visible medical differences need more than surgery. They need access to appropriate treatment, support from their communities and opportunities to learn, make friends and imagine their futures.

For Thando, the road ahead includes continued medical care—and a new ambition inspired by the people who helped him.

Source: Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, September 17, 2026.