Horn-headed Grandmother

Tuesday 9th March 2010 - 16:35:11

Zhang Ruifang, from the Linlou village, in the Henan province, discovered the mystery horn on her forehead last year, and since then it has grown to 2.4 inches, with another now appearing to sprout on the other side.

The stumps, which resemble a goat's horns, are thought to be growths made up of compacted keratin - the same protein found in hair and nails.

Although extremely rare, the horns usually develop in fair-skinned elderly adults who have a history of sun exposure.

The horns can be removed surgically but this does not treat the underlying cause.