Ancient Egyptians may have attempted cancer surgery over 4,000 years ago, according to new research. This discovery pushes back the known history of surgical cancer treatment by thousands of years and provides fascinating insights into ancient medical practices. While previous studies have documented ancient Egyptians’ accurate descriptions of various cancers, this is the first archaeological evidence suggesting surgical intervention.
Scientists from Spain, the U.K., and Germany examined two skulls from the University of Cambridge’s Duckworth Collection. One skull, specimen 236, belonged to a man in his thirties who lived between 2687 and 2345 BCE. The other, specimen E270, belonged to a woman over 50 who lived between 663 and 343 BCE.
Microscopic analysis revealed large cancerous lesions causing significant tissue damage in both skulls. Specimen 236 exhibited numerous smaller lesions, indicating potential metastasis. Astonishingly, cut marks were found around the lesions on skull 236, suggesting an attempt at surgical removal using sharp metal instruments.
This finding, if confirmed, represents the earliest documented instance of surgical cancer treatment. The research was published in Frontiers in Medicine. Study co-author Edgard Camarós, a paleopathologist at the University of Santiago de Compostela, described the discovery as a “milestone in the history of medicine.”
While surgery can be effective for treating localized cancers detected early, the advanced state of the cancer in skull 236 suggests the procedure was likely unsuccessful. The perimortem nature of the cut marks indicates they were made shortly before or after death. Even if post-mortem, the cuts could indicate an effort by ancient physicians to understand the disease.
This discovery sheds light not only on the development of medical care but also on the lives of ancient Egyptians. The researchers also believe skull E270 shows evidence of a healed traumatic injury, possibly related to warfare. Further research is needed to confirm these theories.
The study also uncovered evidence of a healed traumatic injury on skull E270, suggesting the woman may have been involved in some form of conflict. While intriguing, this theory requires further investigation.
The researchers aim to continue exploring the history of cancer, tracing its relationship with humans throughout our evolution. This research could reshape our understanding of ancient medical knowledge and practices.
This groundbreaking research provides a unique window into the history of medicine and the lives of those living in ancient Egypt. While the evidence requires further analysis, the implications are significant. Future research promises a more complete understanding of humanity’s long struggle against cancer.
