A baby was left with a "turtle shell" growth on his back due to a rare skin condition - and nicknamed a "little ninja-turtle" by his parents.
James McCallum, 19 months, was born with a large mass covering most of his back - leaving both his parents and doctors baffled.
His mum, Kaitlyn, 35, claims ultrasounds did not reveal anything before she gave birth to the tot on August 19th 2021, 6lbs 14oz, at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, Florida, US.
The new mum was "concerned" when she noticed scabbing and lumps on what she thought was a birthmark.
Kaitlyn and her husband, Tim, 41, a medical staffing recruiter, waited months for a diagnosis as the mass grew into what looked like a large mole that covered most of James' back.
After two month and undergoing multiple consultations, little James was diagnosed with giant congenital melanocytic nevus - benign, tumour-like malformations resulting from faulty development of pigment cell.
James' parents were reassured the growth could be removed in a series of operations.
James underwent two rounds of surgery in February 2022 and May 2022 to remove the bulk of the nevus - which finally allowed him to lie on his back.
He then had tissue expansion to replace the nevus with healthy skin from the remaining skin on his back.
Thankfully, the procedure was a success and Kaitlyn and Tim hope James will only have to undergo one final round to remove the nevus in its entirety.
Kaitlyn says James now has more mobility and "certainly" seems more comfortable now that he's able to lie on his back.
