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Meningiomas in Ancient Human Populations
Della Collins Cook1, Marie Elaine Danforth2
1Department of Anthropology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
Cancers
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Paleopathology reveals meningiomas (central nervous system tumors) can cause bone changes like hyperostosis. These tumors, though rare in ancient records, should be considered in differential diagnoses for skeletal lesions.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Neuropathology
- Skeletal Biology
Background:
- Meningiomas are common central nervous system tumors.
- They can cause significant skeletal changes, including hyperostosis, enostoses, depressions, and vascular impressions.
- Identification of meningiomas in paleopathological literature is infrequent and often debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze reported cases of meningiomas in paleopathological literature.
- To assess the diagnostic criteria and frequency of meningiomas in ancient skeletal remains.
- To emphasize the importance of considering meningiomas in differential diagnoses for skeletal lesions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of paleopathological cases attributed to meningiomas.
- Analysis of reported skeletal manifestations, including size, location, and type of lesion.
- Comparison of findings with known characteristics of meningiomas.
Main Results:
- Identified 43 cases of suspected meningiomas in the literature.
- Hyperostosis was the most recognizable indicator, averaging 8 cm in diameter and 3.0 cm in height, often on the parietal bone.
- Other manifestations included lytic lesions, vascular changes, sclerotic lesions, and hollow areas, with varied presentation and size.
Conclusions:
- Meningioma-induced skeletal changes are non-pathognomonic, leading to diagnostic challenges.
- Despite rarity in paleopathological records, meningiomas likely affected ancient populations.
- Meningiomas should be more frequently considered in the differential diagnosis of ancient skeletal lesions.
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