The man, known only as Slamet, 59, is believed to be suffering from neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition which causes uncontrollable growths along the nerves.
The illness began six months after doctors removed a tumour from his waist in 1991, according to his brother Suwadi.
He began to sprout the lumpy tumours all over his body from then on, and now it is intolerable.
Suwadi said: “Every year after that he has been getting more and more bumps. And because we do not have enough money he has not been able to get it checked by a doctor.”
Slamet suffers constant pain and the tumours have started blocking his nostrils, making it difficult to breath.
He is now unable to work and relies on handouts.
His neighbours in Magetan’s Nguntoronadi, East Java, have started a Facebook group to try and raise enough money to fund the removal of the tumours.
One volunteer, Nanang Ari, said: “We are collecting donations from people who care about Slamet so he can get treatment. We also hope the local government will provide free medical care.”
There is currently no cure for neurofibromatosis and people with the condition are instead monitored for complications as they develop.
This can involve surgery to remove tumours and improve bone abnormalities and medication to control secondary conditions such as high blood pressure and therapy for behavioural problems.
