[MARMAM] Blue whale with tumor-like growth on its head

On June 4th and 5th 2010 a blue whale was observed south of São Miguel Island in the Azores. This whale had a very large tumor-like growth on the right side of its head. Several photographs were taken, which can be viewed online: http://www.digicamsoft.com/mirandavanderlinde/Blue_20whale_20with_20tumor_2D... Does anybody know what this growth could be? Has anybody seen or heard of cases like this before? I am also interested in knowing if this particular whale has been seen anywhere else. Miranda van der Linde _________________________________________________________________ Singles online now! Browse profiles for FREE http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/163036679/direct/01/