However, during the operation, they were surprised to find that the growth inside her stomach was not a tumor but her unborn twin. This unusual medical condition is known as "fetus in fetu," and it left the surgeons in a hospital in Pakistan astonished.
From The Sun UK:
Medical chiefs explained the little girl had initially been admitted for treatment after suffering severe abdominal pain.
She underwent an ultrasound scan and doctors believed they had spotted the presence of a tumour in her tiny stomach.
It was also believed that the baby was experiencing ascites, a painful condition where fluid collects in spaces within the belly.
The infant was rushed into theatre, where pediatric surgeon Mushtaq Ahmed prepared to remove the unusual growth.
"When the operation commenced, everything appeared to be proceeding as expected," he said.
"However, after a span of two hours, a revelation emerged upon the removal of the tumour from the young girl's abdomen.
"It was discovered that the tumour was, in fact, a fetus."
To their astonishment, hospital staff found the girl's undeveloped twin had been nestled inside her stomach.
This phenomenon is commonly referred to as Vanishing Twin Syndrome.
The tot's dad said his unnamed daughter had experienced stomach pain since she was born, seeing her receive various treatments.
But nothing seemed to cure the baby's discomfort, prompting her parents to take her to the hospital for further investigations.
The tot's family were just as overwhelmed by the news as doctors.
Ahmed explained: "This phenomenon, known as fetus in fetu, involves the development of twins where one fetus grows within the body of the other.
"It happens with one in a million individuals. A sample has been dispatched to the laboratory for further comprehensive testing.
"This process is actually of twins in which one child develops in the mother’s womb while the other develops inside the belly of the fetus.
"The surgical procedure itself was highly intricate, with the primary objective being the preservation of the girl's life.
"We are grateful for the divine intervention that led to our triumph."
Doctors have confirmed the surgery's success, and she is on the road to recovery.
It's nothing short of a miracle that doctors not only discovered this medical anomaly but also saved this child's life.
