The PUNCH gathered that a medical report from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, signed by Dr Philip Duru, a Consultant Pathologist, obtained by our correspondent, gave the clinical history as, “Patient presented with 2 years history of progressive increase of the muscle swelling”, noting that, “We receive a light brown firm tissue with a bony hardcore.”
The report further says, “The histological sections show a fibro-0sseous lesion composed predominantly of fibrous tissue within which are fragments of mature bony tissue. The fibrous in cellular in some areas acelular and hyalinized in other areas. Thin-walled congested blood vessels also seen.”
According to Mayo Clinic, “Squamous cell carcinoma which is also called Basal cell carcinoma in medical terms is a type of skin cancer that most often develops on areas of skin exposed to the sun, such as the face. On brown and Black skin, basal cell carcinoma often looks like a bump that’s brown or glossy black and has a rolled border.”
Olatunji, a 2012 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination graduate, said he had visited many hospitals but was unable to carry out necessary tests and examinations due to financial constraints.
However, in May 2023, he said when he visited the FMC, Asaba, Delta State, he was informed that the surgery would cost him the sum of N520,000.
In an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, Olatunji lamented his inability to proceed with the examination and other necessary medical care because of lack of funds.
Olatunji, who was born in Delta State, said he got to know about his medical condition in December 2021 and that since then, he had been moving from one hospital to another, including herbal clinics to seek for cure. Yet, no remedy.
“It started in December 2021. I have gone to hospitals and herbal places since then. I was told in the hospital that I would need to do surgery. It will cost 520k. I do not have any money to proceed with the surgery. I need help. My brother promised to offer me 100k. I sat for my WAEC in 2012 before I learned carpentry work. But since I had this problem (hand tumour), I have not been working,” he said.
When contacted, the consultant, Dr. Philip Duru, acknowledged knowing Olatunji as his patient since May 2023.
“Yes, Olatunji Yusuf is my patient. I have known him for four months. I told them that approximately N520,000 would go for the surgery,” he said in a text sent to our correspondent.
Olatunji can be reached on his mobile number, +2349119055318, while donations can be made to his UBA account number, 2143475428; Account name – Yusuf Olatunji.
