At a community health service center in Chongming Port, Shanghai, doctors recently treated an unusual case: a 98-year-old woman surnamed Gu had been living for years with a horn-like growth on her forehead. The bizarre growth, about 3–4 centimeters wide and resembling a “horn,” had long caused her discomfort. While hospitalized, the elderly woman shockingly took matters into her own hands—literally—by snipping it off with a pair of scissors. Within moments, her forehead swelled dramatically, nearly causing massive bleeding and putting her life in danger.
According to NetEase, the growth Gu cut off was “as long as a finger.” Emergency protocols were immediately activated, and Dr. Nie Hongpeng, a surgical specialist from the local hospital branch, was called in for consultation. After rapid assessment and discussion with her family, doctors quickly performed surgery, carefully removing the remaining tissue and stitching the wound with precision.
The procedure lasted less than an hour and successfully stopped the bleeding while repairing the wound. Post-surgery checks confirmed that the cut was clean, flat, and healing well without swelling or infection. Doctors warned that because Gu is nearly a century old and has several underlying health conditions, the outcome could have been catastrophic had treatment been delayed. Her family expressed deep gratitude to the medical team for their swift intervention.
The case quickly went viral online, with netizens commenting: “This grandma is ruthless on herself!”, “Truly a dragon’s descendant!”, “People who grow horns seem to live long!”, and “Never seen one grow this big before.”
Experts explained that this condition, commonly nicknamed “skin horn,” is a rare growth caused by abnormal keratin buildup. It usually appears in elderly individuals, especially those exposed to the sun for long periods. Skin horns are typically cone- or horn-shaped, rough, and hard, varying in size and color from yellowish to dark brown. While most are benign, repeated damage or irritation can lead to infection or even cancerous transformation.
Doctors stressed once again: if you notice unusual growths or skin changes, never attempt self-removal—seek medical care immediately to avoid life-threatening complications.
