The Eerie Disease That Transforms You Into a Tree: Tree Man Syndrome

Figure 1. Abul Bajandar, 25, has tree man syndrome.Photo byWikipedia commons.

Imagine waking up one day, glancing at your hands, and realizing they no longer look like your hands—they resemble the gnarled branches of a tree. This isn't some far-fetched nightmare or a scene from a fantasy movie. For a very small percentage of people, this horrifying condition is real.

It’s known as "Tree Man Syndrome," scientifically termed Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EV), and it's a rare genetic skin disorder that leads to bark-like growths on a person’s body. Let’s dive into the bizarre scientific details behind this disease and explore the limited understanding we have about it.

The Myth and the Science Behind Tree Man Syndrome

The origins of Tree Man Syndrome have been compared to mythological tales like that of Daphne, a nymph from Greek mythology, who transformed into a tree to escape Apollo's advances. While the transformation in this myth was voluntary, sufferers of Tree Man Syndrome face an involuntary metamorphosis as their skin takes on a tree-like appearance.

The real-life condition, Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis (EV), is caused by an abnormal susceptibility to certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is common and relatively harmless for most people, those with this rare genetic disorder experience a profound immune system failure.

Their bodies become unable to control the virus, leading to the development of rough, bark-like lesions on their skin. These growths most frequently appear on the hands and feet, creating the appearance of "branches" growing from the body (Figures 1 & 2).

Clinical presentation of Tree Man Syndrome.Photo byUitto et al. (2022).

The Genetics Behind the Condition

Tree Man Syndrome is a recessive inherited disorder, which means a person has to inherit two defective genes—one from each parent—to develop the disease.

These genes are responsible for a defect in the immune system, specifically impacting the skin's ability to fight off infections caused by certain strains of HPV. This mutation can occur in chromosome 17, a crucial region associated with the body’s defense mechanisms against HPV.

The disease is so rare that only about 200 cases have been reported globally, according to The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. The rarity of the disease adds to its mystery, and despite modern advancements in genetics, we still know very little about why this specific mutation occurs and what, if anything, can definitively cure it.

The Grim Reality for Sufferers

For those unfortunate enough to develop Tree Man Syndrome, life becomes exceedingly difficult. The warts that develop can weigh several pounds, making simple tasks like eating, bathing, and even walking a near-impossible struggle.

Many sufferers report that these growths render them incapable of basic human interaction, such as hugging their loved ones.

One well-known case in 2019 involves a Bangladeshi man who had undergone multiple surgeries in an attempt to remove the lesions. He had as many as 16 operations to remove bark-like growths from his body, which had weighed as much as 11 pounds. Despite the surgeries, these growths tend to reappear, as there is no permanent cure for the disease.

There is also a known case of the first female sufferer, Sihanouk Khatun, a 10-year-old girl from Bangladesh. After undergoing surgery to remove the growths, doctors were hopeful that her early treatment might prevent further recurrences of the warts. But even this optimistic scenario highlights the fragile and uncertain nature of treating the disease.

The Psychological Toll

Tree Man Syndrome isn’t just a physical burden. The social and psychological toll of living with a highly visible, disfiguring condition is perhaps one of the most devastating aspects.

Sufferers often deal with stigma, rejection, and isolation as they face shocked and horrified reactions from those around them. This emotional strain can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of alienation.

It's no surprise that many patients express the wish to live "normal" lives, performing tasks most of us take for granted, such as holding their children or simply shaking hands. The disease makes such simple acts of human connection difficult, if not impossible.

The Hope for a Cure: Science’s Role

Although Tree Man Syndrome only affects a minuscule portion of the population, continued research into rare genetic diseases is essential. Understanding the genetic mutation that leads to Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis could pave the way for breakthroughs in treatments for other genetic and autoimmune conditions.

For example, studying how the body’s immune system interacts with certain strains of HPV could provide valuable insights into vaccines or other medical advances to combat similar disorders.

While it may not be a priority for widespread research due to its rarity, Tree Man Syndrome serves as a reminder that even the most unusual and seemingly isolated conditions deserve scientific attention.

Conclusion

As science advances, there’s hope that future treatments can alleviate the suffering caused by this rare condition, allowing those afflicted to lead lives free from the burden of "turning into a tree."

Until then, we can only imagine the courage it takes to endure such a condition, waiting for the day when science offers more than just temporary solutions.