A mature ovarian teratoma from New Kingdom Amarna, Egypt

Objective

This paper describes the fifth case of a mature ovarian teratoma reported in the bioarchaeological literature, contributing to the temporal and geographical distribution of known examples of this unusual pathology.

Materials

An 18–21-year-old female found in situ within a multi-chambered subterranean tomb in the North Desert Cemetery at Amarna, Egypt (founded c. 1345 BCE) was recovered associated with a multi-lobed roughly ovoid calcified mass and two associated teeth identified within the pelvic cavity.

Methods

Macroscopic evaluation alongside careful differential diagnosis.

Conclusions

The presence of multiple teeth and their degree of development provided sufficient evidence to identify this mass as an ovarian teratoma found in association with a young woman buried in one of the most richly adorned burials in the non-elite cemeteries at the New Kingdom site of Amarna. The teratoma is interpreted within our understanding of the broader social context of ancient Egyptian medical knowledge.

Significance

This case is the only reported example of a mature ovarian teratoma from Pharaonic Egypt, and Africa more broadly, predating other reported cases by several centuries. It adds considerable temporal and geographical depth to our understanding of this condition in the past.

Limitations

This study was limited to macroscopic examination of remains and would likely benefit from either x-ray or CT-scanning of the object to examine the internal structure.

Suggestions for Further Research

Further consideration of the likely physical implications of this pathology, along with the broader social aspects of burial with objects of potential magico-medical significance is necessary.