Bengaluru medics successfully extract 'sack of marbles' from woman's scalp, present since childhood
Bengaluru, August 02: Bengaluru, known for its medical expertise, recently witnessed an unusual case where doctors successfully operated on a 52-year-old woman with a peculiar growth on her head resembling a "sack of marbles." The intriguing case was detailed by doctors at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Medical Sciences in the journal Radiology.
The woman, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the protuberance had been growing on her scalp since childhood, but she had never sought medical attention until now. Upon examination, doctors found a painless but gradually enlarging scalp swelling measuring nearly 6 inches in length, 4 inches in width, and almost 5 inches in height.
To better understand the nature of the growth, an MRI scan was performed, revealing a cyst resembling a fleshy hair bun on the back of the woman's head. During the surgical procedure to remove the growth, the medical team made a curious discovery. The lesion was filled with fluid, hair, and fatty molecules, surrounded by "thick outer rims," and contained balls of keratin of varying sizes.
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For those unfamiliar with keratin, it is a protein responsible for the formation of hair, nails, and the outer layer of the skin. The scientific community refers to these collections of keratin as dermoid cysts. These cysts are essentially spheres of tissue that develop from embryonic cells and can sometimes contain hair, teeth, or nerves. While they are more commonly found in the head and neck region, they may also occur in other parts of the body, such as the ovaries.
The underlying cause of these congenital orbs remains unclear, but doctors emphasize that they are typically benign and painless. However, if left untreated, they can lead to complications, including infections and damage to nearby bones.
Regarding this particular case, the study did not disclose why the patient delayed seeking medical attention for so long, despite the apparent growth. Nevertheless, the doctors confirmed that the growth itself was painless. Following the successful removal of the growth, the woman's progress was closely monitored for six months. Fortunately, during the follow-up period, no recurrence of the growth was observed.
This unique case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention for unusual health concerns, even if they appear benign. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent potential complications and ensure a better prognosis. The medical community continues to study such uncommon afflictions to gain a deeper understanding and provide improved medical care to patients with similar conditions in the future.
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- With inputs from agencies
