Egypt (Washington Insider Magazine)— Researchers studying a 4,500-year-old ancient Egyptian skull have identified what might be an early case of cancer surgery. Held in the University of Cambridge’s Duckworth Collection, the skull bears tiny cut marks, visible under microscope, which indicate that the Egyptians operated on tumours or examined them after the person’s death.
Evidence of Ancient Surgery
According to Theartnewspaper, One of the skulls, thought to be 4,000 years old, shows traces of surgery. Experts believe that this operation was an attempt to remove a tumor or to analyze the disease after death. Edgard Camarós, a paleopathologist from the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and main author of the study published in the journal Frontiers, emphasized the relevance of this discovery. He noticed that it demonstrates the Egyptians’ profound grasp of sickness.
Context of Ancient Egyptian Medicine
Camarós emphasized the sophistication of ancient Egyptian medicine, referencing the Edwin Smith papyrus, which dates back approximately 3,600 years. This document describes 48 medical cases and their treatments. While the Egyptians identified tumors, their understanding of what we now know as cancer was limited.
Details of the Operated Skull
The operated skull belonged to a man aged between 30 and 35 years at the time of his death. Researchers discovered 30 smaller lesions on the skull, indicating that the cancer was metastasizing. This finding was reported to the Press Association news agency.
A Second Rare Skull
According to CNN, In addition to the 4,000-year-old skull, scientists discovered another skull in the collection that was roughly 2,000 years old and belonged to a 50-year-old lady. This skeleton bore lesions from a cancer that had destroyed bone tissue, but it also exhibited signs of healing from a puncture hole. According to Camarós, similar wounds are more typical in male remains, making this discovery very unique.
Advanced Analysis Techniques
The second skull was examined using micro-computed tomography, revealing clear signs of cancer. The lesions in the bones indicated both the creation and destruction of bone tissue, confirming the diagnosis.
Historical Perspective on Cancer
Contrary to the belief that tumors are modern diseases linked to environmental factors, this study shows that cancer has been present since ancient times. “Cancer has been with us from the beginning and in many forms. Even the dinosaurs suffered from cancer,” stated Camarós. He emphasized the need for further research to understand how our ancestors dealt with the disease, aiming to complete “the biography of cancer from the beginning of human history.”