A boy from Florida was born with a “shell” on his back due to a genetic abnormality, earning him the moniker “little ninja turtle” from his parents
James McCallum, an 18-month-old boy from Clearwater, Florida, was born with a black growth covering 75% of his back due to congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN), a rare genetic disease. His parents gave him the moniker “little ninja turtle” because of how quickly the growth took shape and resembled a “turtle shell” when he was only two months old.
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
One in 50,000 children born in the US is affected by CMN. This non-cancerous skin condition leads to a benign, tumor-like malformation on the back due to the overproduction of pigment cells during fetal development. Even though the disorder is rare, 1% of infants have the condition. Back growths like the one James experienced increase the risk of skin cancer, damage the brain and spinal cord, and caused convulsions when left untreated.
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
James’ parents grew concerned when they saw the increase and went to the doctor. Doctors weren’t sure what it was, but further tests identified the growth’s cause. When James was six months old, the tumor was removed in two surgeries three months apart. He had to have an MRI of his brain and spine before the surgeries to ensure the tumor had not expanded internally and disrupted his nervous system. Thankfully, the results were unfavorable, so the surgeons proceeded. When the skin from the procedures was checked, no diseases were discovered.
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
James is currently giving skin expanders to replace the nevus on his back with other skin and stop it from coming back. Once the expanders have stretched the skin, the reconstructive surgery will be finished.
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
Courtesy Kaitlyn McCallum / SWNS
Congenital melanocytic nevus, a rare condition, developed a dark growth on James McCallum’s back that looked like a “turtle shell.” After two successful operations, he had reconstructive surgery using skin expanders to replace the damaged skin.
