INDIA Random passerby filmed something on the street that literally took his breath away. He saw a beggar with a stunted limb growing from his chest.
This is an abnormality called a parasitic twin, sometimes also known as heteropagus. It is a developmental defect of twins where one develops normally and the other only partially, attaching to the body of the host twin. This abnormality is very rare, occurring in about 1 case per 1 million births.
Treatment involves surgical intervention, which usually has a very good prognosis. However, it is a complex procedure, requiring surgeons to carefully plan according to the parasite’s location, blood supply, and risk of damage to the host’s organs.
In this particular case, the man most likely chose not to undergo treatment voluntarily and uses his abnormality to evoke pity from people and beg. Even in India, there are opportunities for free surgery, through government health programs or charitable hospitals.
