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An ancient "tumour" from pre-Columbian Chile
D R Sawyer1, N K Wood, M J Allison
1Dept. of Oral Diagnosis, Pathology and Radiology, Loyola University School of Dentistry, Maywood, Illinois.
Summary
Paleopathology reveals an unusual facial lesion in ancient skeletal remains of a young female. Despite the specimen
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Investigating ancient diseases requires analysis of skeletal remains.
- Facial lesions in historical populations are rare and challenging to diagnose.
Observation:
- An expansile facial lesion was identified in skeletal remains over 600 years old.
- The remains belonged to a female aged 22-25 years.
Findings:
- Gross, radiographic, and histological examinations were performed.
- A definitive diagnosis was not possible due to specimen age and condition.
- Differential diagnoses were considered, with a probable diagnosis suggested.
Implications:
- Highlights the diagnostic challenges in paleopathology.
- Contributes to understanding facial pathologies in past populations.
- Underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in analyzing ancient human remains.