A Solomon Islands teenager whose life has been derailed by a fast-growing nasal tumour has arrived in Sydney for complex, life-saving surgery.
Sixteen-year-old Ronny weighs less than a healthy nine-year-old boy because the tumour is so large it is invading his throat and skull, causing substantial pain and eating problems.
"He's also been struggling to breathe and due to the tumour now has the equivalent of obstructive sleep apnea," rhinologist and skull base surgeon Raewyn Campbell told AAP.
"We're actually having to support his breathing with a CPAP mask, which helps push the air past the size of the tumour so he can breathe."
The tumour first showed itself through persistent nose bleeds that became so problematic, Ronny eventually dropped out of high school in his remote community.
Doctors were finally able to confirm the extent of the nasal tumour in 2023 when the Solomons Islands received its first CT scanner.
But the tumour has since grown three times in size, underlining the need for life-saving surgery in Sydney.
He has spent the past three months in a major Solomons hospital after the pain became overwhelming.
The surgery, scheduled for next week in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, will involve specialists going through the teen's nostrils as well as making a cut into his face to remove the tumour the best way possible.
A neurosurgical option may also have to be taken to remove the piece that has grown into his skull.
"The surgery will take quite some time," Dr Campbell said.
"It'll be quite complicated and risky and we're going to be taking it very slowly to make sure we keep Ronny healthy."
Dr Campbell will be working alongside fellow ear nose and throat surgeon Hubert Low, an expert in head and neck, and reconstructive surgery, as well as a team of anaesthetists led by Anand Rajan and a neurosurgeon.
Ronny is expected to need intensive care for a few nights and stay in Australia for at least a month for monitoring.
While in Australia, he's expected to receive support from dietitians, speech therapists and infectious disease specialists.
"His mother was unable to travel with him, which is unfortunate but he does have phenomenal support from his aunt (who has recently qualified as a nurse)," Dr Campbell said.
The trip to Sydney was made possible by Qantas, the NSW and federal governments and the advocacy of radio broadcaster Ray Hadley and medical specialists in the Solomons.
"I am so pleased we could provide this boy with this life-changing surgery," NSW Health Minister Ryan Park told AAP.
"We've got the best doctors, nurses and health workers in the world, and I am so proud that we can share their talents from time to time with those from other countries."
