Morphological sciences in a forensic context: The importance of recognizing osteoblastic lesions found in an...

Certain bone lesions originate from metastases caused by specific types of cancer. Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm whose metastases are typically osteoblastic lesions, often resembling a "sunburst" pattern. The study of human skeletal remains, particularly in forensic contexts, can reveal fundamental aspects, such as the probable cause of death. The objective of this study was to analyze and identify individualizing characteristics, specifically osteoblastic lesions, in skeletons from the osteological collection of the Forensic Anthropology and Osteology Laboratory (LAOF) at the Federal University of Pernambuco. The study was conducted at the LAOF, where two skeletons, whose cause of death was prostate cancer, were selected. The lesions present in the skeletons were meticulously analyzed, mapping the main focus points of these lesions. In the first skeleton, aged 55 at death, macroporosities predominated in the femur, fibulae, tibiae, and some ribs. Although a transfixing foramen was observed in the frontal bone and coronal suture, few cranial lesions were found compared to the rest of the skeleton, suggesting a delayed metastasis to this area. The sternum was one of the most affected bones, with lesions clearly evident across its surface. Macro-osteoblastic lesions were prominent in the vertebrae, especially in the thoracic region. The ribs were completely affected by both macro and microlesions, with some showing increased shaft diameter. In the second skeleton, aged 76 at death, lesions were observed in the skull, facial bones, and mandible. Microlesions were present in long bones, vertebrae, and ribs. The left femur showed a microlesion on the articular surface of the distal epiphysis, indicating atypical lesion behavior. Both skeletons presented osteoblastic lesions with a sunburst appearance, mainly in the axial skeleton bones. The axial skeleton was clearly the most affected region in both skeletons, with macroporosities being more frequent and the most prominent osteoblastic lesions occurring in the pelvis, ribs, and vertebrae. These findings are important for forensic professionals, providing greater understanding of the differentiation of bone lesion types and their associations with preexisting diseases.