The reason why it is very difficult to diagnose Proteus syndrome is because of how it grows. It can easily grow from small lumps to very large and disfiguring tumors in a matter of years. Most people go undiagnosed for several years because they do not believe it is a problem. Once it gets too bad, is when it is too late and little or no help can be offered to alleviate the condition. The most readily available people who can undergo diagnosis are already too far into the damages caused by the disorder. They are the most disfigured of the group and would require many operations (if possible) to get back to a comfortable and normal level.