Ellen Phiddian
Cosmos science journalist
A breakdancer who had been headspinning for more than 19 years developed a growth on his scalp that needed surgical removal.
The man, who is in his early 30s, has recovered well from the surgery according to Danish doctors.
They’ve published a paper in BMJ Case Reports.
The researchers say the case “underscores the importance of recognising chronic scalp conditions in breakdancers”.
Breakdancing is a complex and physically demanding art, according to the researchers, which often renders people vulnerable to injuries like sprains, strains and tendinitis.
The headspin hole, or breakdance bulge, is a lump that can form on the scalp of breakdancers – sometimes associated with hair loss and numbness.
Headspin hole is a known condition among breakdancers but under-studied in the medical community, write the doctors.
The team had treated a man in his early 30s, who had presented with a large, tender lump on the top of his head. The lump had developed over the past 5 years.
The man had been practising headspins for more than 19 years. He trained 5 times a week, with each session running about 90 minutes. During these sessions, he said there was direct pressure applied to the top of his head for 2-7 minutes at a time.
After an MRI scan, a clinical examination and a biopsy, the doctors confirmed there was no sign of cancer, but there was a large lump on the top of his head.
The man accepted an offer of surgery to remove the lump, which was done successfully.
“It is now possible for me to go out in public without a cap or hat which is, of course, a very nice feeling,” he writes in a patient’s perspective.
“I still have very thick skin on my head, which means I still have a slight elevation. My surgeon said I could be referred to a plastic surgeon if I was dissatisfied. However, this is not the case. I am very satisfied with the result and the entire process.”
The researchers conclude that, based on this case study, surgery to remove “headspin hole” appears to be a successful treatment.
