If you do some research, you will hear about some unusual medical problems that people had to deal with. The problem that Shyam Lal Yadav was dealing with is more unusual than most.

Shyam Lal Yadav went to the doctor to have a large, horn-like growth removed from the top of his head. It had been growing for years since he hurt his head in 2014.

At first, Shyam had it trimmed by his barber and it didn’t cause any discomfort. The 74-year-old man began to notice that the growth was hardening like a horn, however, and that is when he knew that the problem was more serious.

Shyam, who is from the central Indian state Madhya Pradesh went to surgeons to get some assistance. As it turns out, it was something known as a sebaceous horn, which protrudes from the skin and is made out of compacted keratin.

Keratin is the same thing that makes up our skin, hair, and nails. It is also found in the horns of certain animals, such as rhinos.

Nobody knows why keratin may grow in this way in humans, but this type of sebaceous horn is more likely in people who are older. It can also occur anywhere in the body but is more likely to happen in areas that have sunlight exposure.

Dr Vishal Gajbhiye is the surgeon who treated the condition. He said: “Around five years ago the patient had hurt his head after which a lump started growing.

“Initially, he ignored it as it did not cause any discomfort. Also, he got the growth cut by the local barber.

“But, when the lump hardened and started growing further, he approached the hospital at Sagar.

“In medical term, this type of rare growth is called sebaceous horn (devil’s horn).

“As the horn is composed of keratin, the same material found in fingernails, the horn can usually be removed with a sterile razor.

“However, the underlying condition will still need to be treated.”

The growth can be removed but at times, there may be a malignant tumor that also exists in the body. The doctor went on to explain this, saying: “The sebaceous horns are predominantly benign lesions however the possibility of malignant potential should always be kept in mind.

“Treatments vary, but they can include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

“Immediately after its removal, skin was grafted on the wound which has now healed completely.”

After spending 10 days in the hospital recovering, he was able to go home. They did a biopsy of the growth and it was shown to be harmless.