Shyam Lal Yadav, a 74-year-old from Madhya Pradesh, India, had an unusual medical issue: a large, horn-like growth on his head. It started after a head injury in 2014, and he initially managed it by trimming it himself. However, as the growth hardened, he sought medical help.
Doctors diagnosed it as a sebaceous horn, composed of compacted keratin—the same material found in skin, hair, nails, and animal horns. This rare condition is more common in older people and areas exposed to sunlight.
Dr. Vishal Gajbhiye, the surgeon who treated Yadav, explained: “Initially, he ignored it as it did not cause any discomfort. But, when the lump hardened and started growing further, he approached the hospital.” The horn was successfully removed with a sterile razor, and skin was grafted onto the wound.
After a 10-day hospital stay, Yadav returned home. A biopsy confirmed the growth was benign. This case highlights the importance of seeking medical attention for unusual growths, as they can be more serious than they appear.
