Key Highlights :
In a shocking discovery, archaeologists have unearthed a three-centimeter by two-centimeter ovarian tumor with two deformed teeth in the pelvic bone of an ancient Egyptian woman who died more than 3,000 years ago. The woman, believed to be between 18 and 21 at death, was found at the Amarna non-elite cemetery, wrapped in a plant fiber mat and adorned with gold beads and jewelry.
The tumor, which is called a teratoma, is made of various tissues such as muscle, hair, bone or teeth. It is estimated to be the oldest known example of this rare type of tumor, with previous cases found in Europe and Peru. There are no reliable figures for how many occur, but modern women still suffer from them.
The cause of the tumor is believed to be due to germ cells turning into different cells. Along with the growth-encasing team, archaeologists also found a gold ring around the woman's finger featuring an image of Bes, the god of fertility. This suggests that the ovarian tumor may have hindered her ability to bear children, and that she was likely attempting to invoke Bes to protect her from pain or other symptoms, or aid in her attempts to conceive and birth a child.
The discovery of the tumor with teeth is of grave importance, as teratomas are very rarely identified archaeologically. Allison Foley, a bioarchaeologist at the College of Charleston in South Carolina who was not involved in the study, said that the presence, location, and possible symbolic importance of the Bes ring as a token of protection and fertility is particularly fascinating and evocative.
This discovery provides a unique insight into the medical history of ancient Egypt, and highlights the importance of continuing to explore and uncover the secrets of the past. It also serves as a reminder of the prevalence of medical conditions in the modern world, and the importance of seeking medical advice and treatment as soon as possible.