In Clearwater, Florida, an infant was born with an unusual growth on his back, which would later earn him the affectionate nickname of “Little Ninja Turtle” from his parents due to its resemblance to a “turtle shell.”
James McCallum, at just 19 months old, was given this unique moniker because of a puzzling skin condition that baffled doctors. Surprisingly, ultrasounds during Kaitlyn McCallum’s pregnancy provided no indication of the baby’s condition.
However, when James was born on August 19, 2021, his parents, Kaitlyn and Tim McCallum, noticed that his back had unusual scabbing and lumps, which raised concerns. To Kaitlyn, it appeared like a combination of a birthmark and scabbing, with something seemingly amiss.
As the mark continued to grow, resembling a large mole and covering 75% of James’s back, his parents sought medical help. However, doctors couldn’t initially identify the condition. The growth became increasingly bulky and caused discomfort for the baby, making it difficult for him to lie on his back.
James underwent multiple surgeries to remove the mass, starting with an MRI of his brain and spine in February 2022 to assess whether it was growing internally. Luckily, there was no internal growth, and they proceeded with removing the skin mass. The tests on the removed skin came back negative for diseases, a welcome relief.
Worried about the mass possibly returning, Kaitlyn and Tim connected with others living with the same condition through a Facebook group. This opened their eyes to other symptoms and side effects, including itching and lack of sweat glands.
After consulting with a specialist in Chicago, James’s parents began a tissue expansion process in September 2022, surgically growing the “good” skin. They are delighted to witness their son’s improved comfort and happiness.
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James will have minimal scarring, and his parents are grateful that this unusual occurrence happened on his back rather than his face. They believe that having the growth removed will ensure the best quality of life for him, allowing him to share a unique story and potentially view it as a shark bite. They gladly accept the scars over dealing with the condition any day.
