Fetus in Fetu

This is a bizzare medical fact - Fetus in Fetu. The definition is an encapsulated, pedunculated vertebrate tumor. It occurs when one of the twin do not develop past the fetal stage and is enveloped into the body of the other twin.

Imagine that you were part of a twin, but you never knew that you had a twin. Nor does your mother know that you were part of a twin. But your other twin has always been with you ever since you were in your mother’s womb. Reason? As your twin and you were developing inside of your mother’s womb, you were the stronger twin and your growth enveloped that of your other twin’s. So, since birth your twin was in you (literally speaking) and have been growing slow but surely within you. This twin does not have a brain nor any organs, but can develop bones, toes, fingers, nails, hair and even private parts. This other twin feeds off your blood to stay alive.

Actually, fetus in fetu usually occurs in mothers in which they become pregnant but the baby stop forming into a full grown baby (loosely put). It could be that the mother is unaware that she has fallen pregnant and thus did not undergo procedures to remove the fetus and thus the fetus continues to be in the mother’s womb. Also, like in the story of the other twin, it is possible for a man to be “pregnant” with his other twin baby in this situation. Additionally, it is also possible for someone to carry the other twin who is of the opposite gender.

Sources for the pictures: 1) Journal of Medical Reports: fetus in fetu case report Khalifa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd; 2) ABC News; 3) The Sun UK.