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WARNING: This video contains graphic scenes that some viewers may find distressing

Medics are battling to save the life of Huynh Van Dat, who has been suffering from the horrific disease for 11 years.

Doctors have been left stumped by the condition, which has eaten away Dat's mouth, nose and eyes.

The 51-year-old can no longer eat or speak but is well aware of his fate, according to his wife Huynh Thi Trieu.

She said her husband's condition began in 2004 when he started suffering from nosebleeds three or four times a day.

But his condition worsened and spread across his face – despite surgeons operating on the roof of his mouth.

Poor Dat discovered liquid would run into his nose through a hole in the roof of his mouth whenever he had a drink.

(Image: CEN)

Doctors told him he had nose bridge failure and claimed it was a disease that could be cured – but at a cost he could not afford.

He started using traditional medicine based on local herbs once the money ran out.

But nothing worked and he now lies on a bed with touch and the ability to hear the only senses tha remain.

His wife said: "He was taking traditional medicines but they didn't make any difference, and then he also started to have problems with his eyes which were constantly watering.

(Image: CEN)

"The disease which started with a hole in his nose simply grew and it ate his nose, upper jaw and his eyes. There is no bleeding, but when he could still talk he had told us it was incredibly painful."

But there is a glimmer of hope for Dat.

Local media in Saigon picked up on the story and a team of medics visited him at home.

They promised to do what they could to ease his suffering but there is no indication of when treatment will start or if the damage can be repaired.