Girl, 12, has a football-sized tumour covering her neck that has been growing for almost a decade

A girl has a football-sized tumour covering her neck that has been growing for almost a decade.  

Surbhi Ben, who lives in the Gujrat state of India, is believed to suffer with a rare disease, although it has not discovered what.

The tumour began to grow when she was a toddler, and her family became more concerned as it spread over the years.

They are desperate to find a treatment that works for Surbhi, who they describe as optimistic and vibrant.

But with financial troubles and lack of knowledge, it's proving difficult, and Surbhi's future remains unclear.

According to Surbhi's father, Parshuram Bhai Variya, the tumour, which is said to be attached to internal organs, first showed signs at the age of three.

It actually started on the face as small lumps, which spread down to her neck where they grew out of control.

Mr Ben took his daughter to visit local doctors in their town, but said they are baffled and unable to offer much hope.

She was given medication, but nothing worked and the family became more concerned, according to local reports.

They wish to visit a specialist to get a proper diagnosis, as they are still in the dark about what caused the mass.

But with financial constraints, nothing is set to change any time soon.

Although Surbhi remains optimistic, the family worries that if she won't get the tumour corrected soon, her future will be affected. 

It is not clear to what extent it already impacts her daily life, or whether there are other symptoms of her suspected disease.  

Surbhi is cared for her by her large family, and she has many friends - none of whom have ever made fun of her condition.

It is not clear what Surbhi's condition is, but some children develop a lymphatic malformation, also known as cystic hygroma, on the head or neck.

It is a collection fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, that result from a malformation in the lymphatic system - a network of vessels within the body which form part of the immune system.

It is usually present at birth or in infancy, affecting up to one per cent of newborns in the UK. Their US prevalence is unknown.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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