In Naberezhnye Chelny, a local resident has undergone a groundbreaking procedure to remove a giant "devilish horn-shaped keratoma" from his skull. For several years, he lived with this unusual growth, until it began to interfere with his sleep and daily life.
According to the 30-year-old patient, the unusual mass started developing in 2022. Initially, the "horn" on his occipital region did not cause much discomfort. He only decided to seek medical help once the tumor grew to alarming proportions, causing pain and making it difficult to sleep at night.
The operation to excise the "devil’s horn" was performed by vascular surgeon Ruzil Khurmatullin at Naberezhnye Chelny City Hospital No. 5. He reported that, in his 25 years of practice, he had never encountered such a case before.
The doctor explained that keratomas, often called devil’s horns, are usually small and harmless. However, in this instance, the growth reached 11 centimeters, and trauma to the lesion could have led to malignant transformation. The entire keratoma was carefully removed, and the site was cauterized to prevent regrowth of the "horns." The patient is now back home surrounded by loved ones.
Medically, corneal keratoma typically develops as a result of chronic exposure to harmful factors such as UV radiation, physical injuries, or prolonged irritation. It most often occurs in individuals with heightened sensitivity to sunlight, those working outdoors regularly, or who do not use protective gear against ultraviolet exposure.
Keratinous keratoma can develop as a response to long-term skin irritation or pre-cancerous conditions. While generally benign, it may enlarge over time or under worsening conditions, potentially transforming into malignant tumors like squamous cell carcinoma.
The causes of keratoma include genetic predisposition, metabolic disturbances, or immune responses. In cases of significant growth or injury, prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent complications and possible oncogenic transformation.
