Full-size TEETH found in tot’s rare brain tumour

They made the incredible discovery when the tot was just four months old - an age said to be too young to grown any teeth. Boffins say the toddler may be the first ever person to have teeth form in the brain.

It is believed that the teeth grew as a result of a rare type of tumour known as a craniopharyngioma.

Amazingly, the lad is reported to be doing well after having the tumour removed. Docs first suspected something might be wrong when the child's head appeared to be growing at a faster rate than usual.

A subsequent brain scan revealed a tumour containing structures that looked very similar to teeth normally found in the lower jaw.

The child then underwent brain surgery to have the tumour removed, during which doctors were amazed to find the fully formed gnashers.

Researchers had always suspected that these tumours form from the same cells involved in making teeth but until now had never seen a real-life case.

Dr Narlin Beaty, a neurosurgeon at the University of Maryland Medical Center, who performed the boy's surgery, said in a subsequent report:

"It's not every day you see teeth in any type of tumour in the brain. In a craniopharyngioma, it's unheard of.”

He told Science Live: "He's doing extremely well, all things considered.

"This was a big tumour right in the centre of his brain. Before the modern surgical era this child would not have survived.”

The teeth have been sent to a pathologist for further study.

Source: dailystar.co.uk

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