A young man in Brazil has spoken of being left looking “like something from a horror film” every time he experiences bleeding from his facial condition.
Abraão Neves, 24, from Careiro da Várzea, near Manaus, was born with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that multiplied like a tumour, leaving him with a large growth on his face.
He regularly experiences bleeding from his lump, which he says leaves him “looking like something from a horror film” - and has put his life at risk.
Abraão said: “When it bleeds, it bleeds a lot - it’s like a scene from a horror film.
I almost died because of some of the bleedings.” Abraão was initially misdiagnosed by doctors in Manaus, but found help in Sao Paulo where he had six surgeries so far, including having eight of his teeth removed.
However, his condition attracts looks from people when Abraão ventures outside - but he has the support of his protective brother Salomão .
Abraão said: "I used to feel scared, because people looked at me strangely, but I don't really care nowadays when people stare or ask me if I have cancer or something wrong with my teeth." He was eventually diagnosed by Dr Dov Goldenberg in Sao Paulo.
Abraão says he does want to have more surgery, but is concerned about the potentially life-threatening risks.
While he's waiting for medical developments, Abraão is throwing himself into his biggest passion - music.
He said: "When I'm feeling sad I get my guitar and sing, and it goes away.
For me, it's like medicine.
My dream is to make a record, get better and live off music.” Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_Abraãoneves_/ Fundraising: https://www.vakinha.com.br/vaquinha/tratamento-de-uma-malformacao-arterio-venosa