Harriet T., 15

Harriet Tata is a vibrant 15-year-old girl from Kibera, Nairobi, whose world is filled with books, imagination, and a deep sense of compassion. She delights in reading and often spends her free time diving into stories that spark curiosity and broaden her mind. Apart from her love for books, Harriet also enjoys playing and engaging in fun activities with other children. Her kind heart shines through in how she supports and encourages the younger kids in her neighborhood—whether it's helping them with schoolwork, organizing games, or simply being a caring friend. Despite her cheerful spirit, Harriet has been battling a health condition that began nine years ago when her grandmother noticed an unusual swelling and deformation on her face. In search of help, Harriet was brought to the Medical Camp organized by Helpster Charity, held on April 12, 2025, in Kibera. After evaluation, she was referred to Barika Medical Centre for further examination. Pathology tests and imaging confirmed that she had a dentigerous cyst, which was described as multiloculated and causing bone destruction. A dentigerous cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the jaw and surrounds the crown of an unerupted or developing tooth, often a wisdom tooth or upper canine. It is one of the most common types of developmental odontogenic cysts in children and adolescents. A dentigerous cyst causes facial deformity, bone destruction, tooth displacement, pain and discomfort and risk of infection leading to abscess formation. For Harriet's case, the cyst seems to be pressing against the nasal passages or upper airway, since her breathing is occasionally affected. Large cysts can extend into the nasal cavity or sinus Harriet Tata’s condition—a multiloculated dentigerous cyst with bone destruction—requires prompt surgical intervention to remove the cyst and prevent further complications. The facial deformity and bone loss need to be addressed to restore both function and appearance. With appropriate care, Harriet can look forward to full recovery

Harriet Tata, a patient at Barika Medical Centre, first presented to the facility on 16th April 2025 with a three-year history of a progressive swelling on the right side of her jaw, which had led to facial disfigurement and drifting of teeth. Upon clinical evaluation, she was advised to undergo a mandibular mass biopsy, which confirmed the presence of a dentigerous cyst. Following the diagnosis, Harriet returned with the biopsy results and was admitted on 29th May 2025 in preparation for surgical intervention. She subsequently underwent a segmental mandibulectomy with plate reconstruction on 30th May 2025. The surgery was successful, and she was closely monitored postoperatively for a period of one week, after which she was discharged on 6th June 2025. Post-surgery, Harriet responded well to treatment and has since attended three follow-up review appointments, showing good healing progress. She is currently awaiting a bone grafting procedure, which is scheduled to take place approximately three months post-surgery as part of her reconstructive care plan.

Surgical resection of mass by segmental mandibulectomy immediate plate reconstruction with autogenous thae creet bone grafting may lead to deformity of the lower jaw and trauma for the child.