Tree Man's Warts Keep on Growing

An Indonesian known as the "Tree Man" had a ninth surgery in February 2009 to remove bark-like warts that grow all over his body.

Dede Koswara, 38, was diagnosed by a U.S. dermatologist as having a genetic defect that prevents his body from containing the growth of warts caused by the human papilloma virus. Dede went under the knife for his first operation in January 2008 to remove the warts.

The cutaneous horns began sprouting when he was a teenager, and eventually led Dede to being abandoned by his wife and unable to care for his two children.

On being discharged from hospital in September 2008, Dede showed off his new ability to grip a pen, a feat that had been made impossible by the foot-long "roots" that previously covered his hands.

But the warts keep on growing, so he needs operations every three to four months.