Yamini Karanam, a PHD student at Indiana University, sought medical help last September after she started having trouble reading and talking.
At one point Karanam, from Hyderabad, could barely eat and pain ran from her head throughout her body.
Karanam was diagnosed with pineal tumour after doctors spotted what they thought was a cyst on Karanam's pineal gland, a tiny pea-like structure in the centre of the brain, 'The Washington Post' reported.
Shahinian made a tiny incision in the back of Karanam's head, then strung an endoscope into her skull and through a natural channel in her brain to the site of the suspected tumour.
However, Shahinian was shocked to discover that the tumour was actually a teratoma: a clump of bone, hair and teeth.
Some doctors believe teratomas are twins that never quite develop and are instead absorbed into the surviving baby's body.
Shahinian successfully removed the teratoma and now expects Karanam to make a full recovery.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
