Imagine this. A young teenager, 17, years old, who is fully developed. Now imagine this, the same teenager has a fully developed extra set of limbs and a pelvis. That extra set of pair is attached with chest artery. But, how can this happen?

While it is extremely rare, and has a chance of less than one case occurring per 100,000 births. Such things do happen. This is called parasitic twin.

What Is A Parasitic Twin?

It is an extremely rare type of cojoined twin where a baby is born with an underdeveloped twin attached to its body. This condition is also known as vestigial twins. The condition is very closely related to conjoined twins, where babies are connected at birth and share organs. However, the main difference is that in conjoined twins, there are two developed babies, whereas in parasitic twins, only one is fully developed, other one is underdeveloped and non functional.

In such a case, the twin who is developed is medically known as the autositic or the dominant twin. The dominant twin is healthy in most aspect but may have extra tissue, organs, or limbs from the parasitic twin.

The parasitic twin may be attached with the dominant twin through several places. The common joints are at the head, torso, chest, pelvis, buttocks, or back. In these cases, the parasitic twin is not alive and they die either in the womb or during the childbirth.

Doctors Remove Parasitic Twin

Now, let's go back to the case we referred to, where a young teenager had an extra pair of limbs attached to chest. The teenager who has not been named is from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao neighbourhood, and was treated in AIIMS, Delhi. The team of doctors successfully removed the extra set of limbs from his body.

Dr Asuri Krishna, who led the team of specialist who surgically removed the extra limbs told the BBC that only 40 to 50 cases of parasitic twins have been documented in world medical literature, and in those cases, the surgery had been attempted on children. The doctor said that without much medical literature to guide them, the team of doctors depended on "intuition, skill and knowledge".

The doctor shared that the child had two fully formed legs, buttocks and external genitalia, which weighed around 15kg "protruding from his abdomen".

How Was The Surgery Performed?

The doctor shared that first they identified how interconnected the parasitic and host twins were. The doctors took scans and found that parasitic twin was attached to the teen's breastbone. The blood was being supplied from a vessel in his chest. However, "there wasn't much connection with other main organs like the liver or kidneys," said Dr Krishna. The team also found a large cyst in the teen's abdomen.

Then the surgery was performed in two stages. In the first stage, the parasitic twin was removed. Then the cystic mass was extracted from the surrounded area. The entire surgery was completed in two and a half hours and the team of doctors included radiologists, anaesthetists, and plastic surgeons.

The biggest challenge was when the teen's blood pressure dropped as 30 to 40% of his blood flowed to the parasitic twin, however, the doctors were prepared for it and they stabilized him.

A GP has shared an urgent alert about a clearly visible cancer symptom that many women may be brushing aside. The doctor stressed that this particular sign needs to be checked without delay. Ahead of Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, beginning January 19, as per Mirror, Dr Rupa Parmar outlined key warning signs of the disease and cautioned that one in three women are skipping their routine cervical screening appointments.

She also highlighted that some of the most common symptoms are often dismissed. One such sign is weight loss, which many women may wrongly link to cutting back after festive overindulgence or returning to a normal routine in January.

Women Urged Not To Ignore This Obvious Cancer Symptom

Dr Parmar, a GP and Medical Director at Midland Health, explained: “Cancer cells interfere with the body’s ability to properly absorb fats, proteins and carbohydrates from food. As a result, calories are burned more quickly, leading to weight loss. Unexplained weight loss is often the most obvious sign of cancer and should always be checked straight away.” She added that sudden weight loss is not exclusive to cervical cancer and is recognised as a general warning sign across several types of cancer.

Cancer Research UK also notes that weight loss is common among people with cancer and can be one of the first reasons someone seeks medical advice. The charity points out that lung cancer and cancers of the upper digestive system are among those most often linked to weight loss.

Dr Parmar also highlighted other possible signs of cervical cancer.

Pain During Sex

Pain during intercourse can be caused by issues such as vaginal dryness, infections or skin conditions, Dr Parmar said. However, if pain is new and wasn’t present before, it could be linked to cervical cancer, as a growing tumour may begin to affect nearby tissues.

Recurrent UTIs

Experiencing three or more urinary tract infections within a year could indicate an underlying problem, including cervical cancer. Dr Parmar clarified that UTIs do not cause cancer, but repeated infections may occur if a tumour has advanced and is pressing on or blocking the urinary tract.

Pelvic Pain

Ongoing and severe pain in the lower back or pelvic area with no clear explanation can be another warning sign, particularly when combined with other symptoms. As cervical cancer advances, this pain may intensify and can worsen during sex, urination or bowel movements.

Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding that is unusual for you should never be ignored. This includes bleeding during or after sex, spotting between periods, bleeding after menopause, heavier-than-normal periods, or cycles that last longer than usual. These changes can signal that something may be wrong.

Discharge

Changes in vaginal discharge can also point to problems with the cervix. An increase in discharge, an unusual smell, changes in colour, or the presence of blood may occur once cancer has begun to affect nearby tissues.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

Dietary supplements are already part of many people’s daily habits, especially at the start of the year when health goals are front of mind. What many may not realise is that there is one supplement the Government says everyone should be taking through the colder months. Health guidance recommends a small daily dose of vitamin D for everyone in the UK from around October to late March, as sunlight levels are too low for the body to produce enough on its own. Vitamin D supplements are easy to find and come in several forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies and liquid drops. Here is a simple breakdown of what vitamin D is and why it matters.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps control calcium and phosphate levels in the body. These minerals work together to support healthy bones, teeth and muscles.

When vitamin D levels are too low, children can develop rickets, a condition that causes bones to become soft and weak. In adults, deficiency may lead to osteomalacia, which can result in bone pain, muscle weakness and a higher risk of fractures.

What Does The Government Recommend?

UK health advice states that everyone should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms, or 400 international units, of vitamin D during autumn and winter.

This amount is considered sufficient to maintain general wellbeing, particularly bone and muscle health, at a time of year when sunlight alone is not enough for vitamin D production.

Official guidance explains: “This advice is particularly important for people who have little exposure to sunlight during spring and summer, including those living in residential or nursing care homes, people in prisons, and individuals who regularly wear clothing that covers most of their skin when outdoors.

“These groups are at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. People with darker skin tones, such as those from African, African-Caribbean or South Asian backgrounds, may also struggle to get enough vitamin D from sunlight alone.

“All of these groups are advised to take a vitamin D supplement throughout the year, in line with standard government dietary guidance.”

A scheme that once allowed eligible people to apply for free vitamin D supplements was available previously, but this programme ended in 2021.

Where Can You Get Vitamin D?

Between late March or early April and the end of September, most people can produce enough vitamin D naturally through sun exposure. The body creates vitamin D when UV-B rays from sunlight reach the skin.

Vitamin D is also present in certain foods, including oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, and fortified products such as some spreads and breakfast cereals.

Supplements can be bought easily from pharmacies and supermarkets, with some costing as little as 2p per day. Vitamin D3 is generally the preferred form.

Can You Get Too Much Vitamin D?

Yes. While sunlight does not cause vitamin D overdose, taking excessive supplements over a long period can lead to a build-up of calcium in the body. This can weaken bones and cause damage to the kidneys and heart.

For most people, a daily intake of 10 micrograms is sufficient. NHS advice states that adults should not take more than 100 micrograms, or 4,000IU, per day, as higher amounts may be harmful.

If a doctor has advised a different dosage based on your individual health needs, it is important to follow their guidance.

Concerns around fertility and vaccines often surface when people plan a family, and the HPV vaccine is no exception. Many women and men worry that getting vaccinated today could affect their ability to conceive later in life. Medical experts, however, say this fear is misplaced. According to fertility specialists, there is no evidence linking the HPV vaccine to reduced fertility. In fact, the vaccine may play a quiet but important role in protecting reproductive health over the long term.

Does The HPV Vaccine Affect Fertility?

The short and clear answer is no. The HPV vaccine does not negatively affect fertility in women or men. Dr. Madhu Patil, Consultant and Fertility Specialist at Motherhood Fertility and IVF, Sarjapur, Bangalore, explains that there is no scientific proof showing the vaccine causes fertility problems of any kind.

She notes that concerns often arise from misinformation rather than medical data. Extensive research and global vaccination programmes have consistently shown that people who receive the HPV vaccine do not experience reduced chances of conceiving in the future.

How HPV Infection Can Threaten Future Fertility

While the vaccine itself does not harm fertility, an untreated HPV infection can. HPV is the leading cause of nearly all cervical cancer cases. As per Dr Patil, “treatment for cervical cancer often involves procedures such as cone biopsy or LEEP, which can weaken the cervix. In more advanced cases, radiation or chemotherapy may be required.”

These treatments can reduce a woman’s ability to conceive and, in some cases, make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to full term. By preventing HPV-related cancers in the first place, the vaccine helps preserve the reproductive system and lowers the risk of fertility-compromising treatments later in life.

Why The HPV Vaccine Supports Reproductive Health

Dr. Patil points out that the HPV vaccine should be viewed as a protective measure rather than a risk. By stopping high-risk HPV strains from causing cancer or precancerous changes, the vaccine helps maintain cervical health. A healthy cervix and reproductive system are key factors in natural conception and safe pregnancies.

In this way, the vaccine indirectly supports fertility by reducing the likelihood of medical interventions that could interfere with reproductive function.

When Should the HPV Vaccine Be Taken?

Health experts recommend starting HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12. At this stage, the immune response is strongest, and the vaccine offers protection well before any potential exposure to the virus. Dr. Patil strongly encourages parents to consult a gynaecologist and consider timely vaccination for their children.

That said, adults who missed vaccination earlier can still benefit. Many women and men receive the vaccine later in life after discussing it with their doctor.

Why Men Should Also Get The HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is not only for women. Dr. Patil stresses that men should also be vaccinated, as HPV can cause cancers and genital warts that affect sexual health. Vaccination in men also reduces transmission to partners, adding another layer of protection for couples planning a family.

By limiting the spread of HPV, vaccination helps safeguard the reproductive and sexual health of both partners.

There is no evidence that the HPV vaccine reduces fertility. On the contrary, it helps prevent cancers and medical treatments that can threaten the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy. Experts advise speaking with a gynaecologist, understanding the benefits, and making an informed decision based on medical facts rather than fear.