Major medical breakthroughs are always in progress with the amount of research done these days. However, It’s always fascinating to know how our ancestors Achieved such major thoughts with little resources. The way they lived has faded over time, but things such as these often surface.
A recent study suggests that ancient Egyptians attempted to cure cancer and stave advancement in the medical field. The research was published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine. The analysis of two 4,000-year-old skulls was published.
Researchers from universities in Germany, England, and Spain found evidence of brain tumor extraction, a procedure that is far ahead of its time.
Evidence from Ancient Skulls
The team examined skulls from the University of Cambridge’s Duckworth Collection. One skull, dating from 2687 to 2345 BCE, belonged to a male aged 30 to 35. The other, dating from 663 to 343 BCE, belonged to a female over 50. Researchers discovered a large lesion indicating abnormal tissue growth. Several smaller lesions suggested that the growth had metastasized.
The knife marks that were Observed on the skull understandably were around the tumor present. “We couldn’t believe what we saw under the microscope,” said Tatiana Tondini, a researcher at the University of Tubingen and the study’s first author. The findings indicate that ancient Egyptian medicine included advanced experimental cancer treatments.
Ancient Surgical Practices
Co-author Albert Isidro, a surgical oncologist at Sacred Heart University Hospital in Spain, noted, “It seems ancient Egyptians performed surgical interventions related to cancer. This proves they conducted medical explorations about cancer.” The second skull also showed a large lesion consistent with cancerous growth.
A Glimpse into Ancient Medical Practices
The research concluded their way of social life in that century. It revolves around how the socialists would have discussed this problem. A question about who that person could’ve been. In history, medical treatment was usually a privilege so it must been new for them when something new arose.
“We wanted to learn about the role of cancer in the past,” said Tondini. The findings provide a rare glimpse into ancient medical practices and the extent of medical knowledge in ancient Egypt.
Researchers caution against making definitive statements while studying skeletal remains. However, the evidence suggests that ancient Egyptians were not only aware of cancer but also attempted to treat it. This discovery highlights their advanced understanding of medicine and disease.
This fascinating study showcases Egyptians to be far ahead of their time. They must’ve had advanced technologies that enhanced their way of living. They had sophisticated medical knowledge and they were not only aware of cancer but also tried to treat it surgically. The research opens a new understanding of ancient medical practices and the history of cancer treatment. Maybe we could find something old that provides an ideal solution to the new problems.
