Elderly woman in critical condition after cutting hornlike growth on forehead without consulting doctor
A 98-year-old woman in Shanghai, China, ended up in critical condition after cutting off a hornlike growth on her forehead with a pair of scissors.
The woman, surnamed Gu, had lived with the ‘horn’ for several years. It measured about 3 to 4cm in diameter and was reportedly as long as a finger after removal.
She cut horn using scissors after being frustrated with it
The incident occurred while Mdm Gu was in the hospital for a separate treatment. Frustrated by the growth, she decided to remove it herself without consulting doctors, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).
Source: Mirror Media
Mdm Gu’s forehead quickly swelled and bled profusely.
Doctors assessed that she was potentially in a life-threatening situation and placed her on the “critical list”.
Surgery successfully operated on her after incident
Following a surgery, the wound was clean and showed signs of a smooth recovery.
The doctor who performed the surgery said the procedure “relied on stitches and compression”. Despite facing some challenges during the surgery, the operation was successful as the team involved was “highly skilled”.
“Overall, the wound appears to be healing well, and we are preparing to remove the stitches soon,” said the surgeon.
Source: South China Morning Post
Mdm Gu’s family thanked the medical team for their swift and expert care.
‘Horns’ considered symbol of longevity in Chinese folklore
Experts explained that the protruding growth is a skin condition known as a “cutaneous horn”. It results from the abnormal growth of keratin and is commonly observed in seniors, particularly those who have been exposed to the sun for extended periods.
Doctors warned that any unusual growth or swelling on the skin should be examined by a healthcare professional immediately.
Self-removal can reportedly lead to severe bleeding, wound infections, or even cancer.
In Chinese folklore, cutaneous horns are considered a symbol of longevity.
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Woman in China falls into coma after sunbathing for 2 hours, believed it would ‘cure illness’
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Featured image adapted from Mirror Media and SCMP.
