A remarkable medical case from the early 19th century continues to fascinate visitors at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, where a wax model of a woman with a 9.8-inch horn protruding from her forehead is on display.
The woman, known as Madame Dimanche or “Widow Sunday,” lived in Paris and began developing an unusual growth on her forehead at the age of 76. Over six years, the growth evolved into a cutaneous horn—a rare keratinous tumor—reaching an astonishing length of 24.9 centimeters (9.8 inches).
This condition, scientifically referred to as cornu cutaneum, is characterized by a hardened, conical projection on the skin, resembling a horn, wood, or coral. While most cutaneous horns are small and benign, they occasionally pose serious risks by becoming malignant or premalignant, making each case medically significant.
Madame Dimanche’s horn was successfully removed by the esteemed French surgeon Dr. Joseph Souberbeille (1754–1846). The case garnered widespread attention due to the horn’s unusual size and the complexities of the condition.
Today, a wax model of Madame Dimanche’s head, complete with the remarkable growth, is preserved at the Mütter Museum, part of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The exhibit offers a rare glimpse into the medical challenges and curiosities of the 19th century, showcasing the evolving understanding of unusual conditions in medical history.
