107-Year-Old Woman: Rare "Horn" Discovered on Her Head
A 107-year-old woman in India recently surprised doctors when a rare, horn-like growth was discovered on her head. The case, which has caught the attention of medical professionals worldwide, highlights the extraordinary and often unexpected aspects of human health.
The Curious Case of the "Horn"
The woman, identified as Ms. Karthiyayini Amma, from Kerala, India, had been experiencing a painless growth on her forehead for several years. Initially, she and her family dismissed it as a benign growth, but as the bump grew larger and more prominent, they sought medical attention.
Doctors at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi were astonished when they examined Ms. Amma. The growth, roughly 10 centimeters long, resembled a horn, with a hard, keratinized exterior, similar to a fingernail. This unique formation, known medically as a cutaneous horn, is a rare condition that occurs when the skin's outer layer grows abnormally, forming a cone-shaped structure.
Causes and Treatment of Cutaneous Horns
While the exact cause of cutaneous horns remains unknown, they are often associated with underlying skin conditions, such as:
- Solar keratosis: A precancerous skin condition caused by excessive sun exposure.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer.
- Actinic keratosis: Another precancerous skin condition linked to sun exposure.
Treatment of cutaneous horns typically involves surgical removal. In some cases, laser therapy or cryotherapy (freezing) may also be used.
A Medical Mystery Solved?
Ms. Amma's case, despite its unusual nature, highlights the importance of seeking professional medical attention when facing any unexplained growths or changes on the body. Her story also serves as a reminder of the remarkable resilience of the human body and the unpredictable ways in which it can respond to various factors.
While the precise cause of Ms. Amma's cutaneous horn remains to be determined, her case has undoubtedly added to the understanding of this rare condition, paving the way for further research and improved diagnosis and treatment strategies.