Case report: Boundaries of oncological and traumatological medical care in ancient Egypt: new palaeopathological insights from two human skulls
Published version
Peer-reviewed
Repository URI
Repository DOI
Type
Change log
Abstract
The present case studies report malignant neoplastic and traumatic lesions observed on two ancient Egyptian skulls held at the Duckworth Collection (Cambridge University). The analysis aims to characterise the lesions and provide a diagnosis using a methodology based on micro-CT scanning and microscopic bone surface analysis. Results pointed towards neoplastic lesions in both cases and healed severe skull trauma in one of them suggesting successful traumatological therapy. Interestingly, our analysis has identified the presence of perimortem cutmarks associated with metastatic lytic lesions in one of the skulls, indicating a potential surgical treatment attempt or postmortem medical exploration. We argue that the two cases, although not contemporary, allow a palaeopathological discussion on oncological and traumatological understanding and management of such conditions in the past. The confrontation of two potential managements represented by two different types of lesions represent a clear boundary in ancient Egyptian medical care and a milestone in the history of medicine.
Description
Peer reviewed: True
Acknowledgements: We acknowledge the Duckworth Laboratory (Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge) for the permit and helpful assistance during the analysis of the specimens. We also acknowledge the support of the ERC project Ng’ipalajem (University of Cambridge, PI Prof. M. Mirazón-Lahr) for allowing us the use of the Digital microscope HIROX. We extend our appreciation to the two reviewers and the editors of the special issue for their feedback and guidance throughout the review process.
Is Part Of
Publisher
Publisher DOI
Rights and licensing
