Doctors make shocking discovery: Woman's abdominal mass isn't what it seems
Key Takeaways
Vital Signs
Female
Age 47
CT scan abnormality
Cystic mass and bone elements visualized
Sometimes, the human body reveals mysteries that leave even the most seasoned doctors in awe. A rare phenomenon, seen on a CT scan, had been attached to a woman's abdomen her entire life.
In an Instagram Reel, radiologist Justin Shafa, MD, walks us through the incredible story of discovery, diagnosis, and treatment of this medical anomaly.
Related: 12 brain lesions—but it wasn't cancer: A neurosurgeon’s unforgettable caseThe Patient
A 47-year-old mother of four presented with a large mass on her abdomen that she claimed she's had her entire life.
The Tests
A CT scan was ordered, and the images revealed something shocking. This wasn't just any mass. The images showed bone elements, which appeared to be a scapula or some other bone fragment, and a cystic mass which may be an underdeveloped or non-developed brain, Dr. Shafa explains.
The Diagnosis
A diagnosis was confirmed: The woman had a parasitic twin attached to her abdomen.
"What looked like a growing abdominal mass turned out to be remnants of a twin—complete with hair, teeth, and bone," Dr. Shafa writes in his Instagram caption. "This rare condition occurs when identical twins fail to fully separate in the womb. The underdeveloped twin becomes dependent on the host and can go undiagnosed for decades."
The Treatment
Luckily, the next course of action was obvious: removal. After nearly half a century of coexistence, it was time to excise the parasitic twin.
The surgical team carefully navigated the complexities of the mass, which included not just cystic structures but also remnants of bone and skin. The surgery was successful.
Related: This spinal injury should have killed him—so how did he survive?The Takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of human biology. Parasitic twins, though extremely rare, remind us that the body can harbor deep secrets for years. It also highlights the importance of thorough diagnostic imaging and a keen eye in the OR.
For physicians, this case reinforces the importance of considering all possibilities, no matter how outlandish they may seem at first glance.
