A surprising discovery in the history of medicine
The history of medicine takes us back to ancient times, revealing practices that are astonishing today. Recently, researchers have been perplexed by the discovery of possible oncological surgery in a young man from Ancient Egypt, approximately 4,500 years ago. The lesions found on his skull and jaw constitute the first evidence of oncological surgery in the history of medicine.
Medical advances in Ancient Egypt
Although Ancient Egyptian medicine was sophisticated, with knowledge of treating various diseases, performing amputations and constructing prostheses, no evidence of cancer-related surgeries had been found. However, a recent study published in the scientific journal Frontiers in Medicine reveals evidence of early cancer treatments, including surgery. This study analyzes the remains of a young man and an older woman, revealing medical treatments dating back thousands of years.
Challenges in cancer treatment
Ancient Egyptian medical treatises, such as the Edwin Smith Papyrus, describe diseases and treatments, revealing that despite the sophistication of the techniques, cancer was considered untreatable. However, when the remains were analyzed, evidence of tumor-related oncological surgeries was found, challenging the belief that cancer was incurable at the time.
Evidence of oncological surgeries
Analysis of the remains revealed a lesion caused by a neoplasia in the skull, along with metastatic lesions, indicating the presence of a primary tumor. In addition, cut marks were discovered around these lesions, suggesting the performance of oncological surgeries. These incisions are evidence of tumor-related medical interventions, performed before or after the individual’s death, challenging beliefs about medical capability at the time.
A shocking case
Another case reveals a woman who survived a severe fracture and subsequently developed a tumor that ended her life. This discovery demonstrates the impressive capabilities of oncological surgery in Ancient Egypt, challenging previous perceptions about medicine at that time.