Postal Worker Discovers 40-Year-Old Toy in Lung After Health Scare

A 57-year-old postal worker from Preston, Lancashire, experienced a shocking medical revelation when doctors discovered a long-lost toy lodged in his lung. Paul Baxter initially feared he had lung cancer after suffering from persistent cough and yellow phlegm for over a year. His concerns escalated when medical scans revealed a lump in his lung, leading to a bronchoscopy that unearthed an unexpected item: a Playmobil traffic cone.

Baxter’s journey began with a visit to his general practitioner for what he thought was a routine check-up for a winter cold. Following a series of tests, he was referred to a breathing specialist due to his ongoing respiratory issues. The situation took a surprising turn during the bronchoscopy when doctors located a small, orange object positioned at the base of his lung.

According to the British Medical Journal, Baxter recalled receiving the Playmobil set, which included the traffic cone, as a gift for his seventh birthday. He believes he aspirated the toy shortly after receiving it, although he has no memory of the incident. “I did what every kid does. I used to eat my toys. I must have had it in my mouth and it went down my windpipe,” Baxter stated.

Astonishing Medical Findings

Medical professionals noted that it is uncommon for symptoms to manifest decades after the initial aspiration of a foreign object. The report suggested that Baxter’s airway might have adapted to accommodate the presence of the toy over the years. The object may have become integrated into the lung’s lining, which eventually contributed to his respiratory problems.

Baxter’s symptoms began to improve significantly just four months after the successful extraction of the traffic cone. “On a positive note, his symptoms improved markedly, and he finally found his long-lost Playmobil traffic cone in the very last place he would look,” his medical team explained.

Reflecting on the experience, Baxter described the moment the object was revealed. “Everyone just started laughing—the doctors, nurses, all of us. I find it absolutely hilarious.” He now keeps the traffic cone in a jar in his cupboard, intending to pass it on to his grandchildren.

The medical team further elaborated on the case, stating that while it is typical for children to accidentally inhale small items, cases like Baxter’s, where symptoms arise so long after the initial event, are rare. The findings illustrate the unique and often unpredictable nature of the human body.

As Baxter continues to recover, he remains grateful for the unexpected twist in his health journey. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of medical diagnoses and the surprising discoveries that can emerge in the process.