Solitary osteochondromas in paleo-oncology: A case report from 4th-century BCE Pontecagnano (southern Italy)

Objective

This study presents a new case of solitary osteochondroma (SOC) identified on the proximal tibia of a 4th-century BCE individual from Pontecagnano (Salerno, Italy) with an aim to contribute to differential diagnosis of bone tumors in archeological contexts.

Materials

Paleopathological assessment of a male individual with an estimated age-at death of 45.9–62.9 years brought to light during the archaeological excavations in the funerary sector of ‘Sica de Concillis’ within the necropolis of Pontecagnano.

Methods

Macroscopic and radiographic analyses were performed for diagnostic purposes.

Results

The proximal portion of the right tibia exhibited a large exophytic bone formation extending from the anteromedial to the posteromedial portion of the diaphysis. The x-ray confirmed the lesion being characterized by regular trabecular bone tissue with cortico-medullary continuity.

Conclusions

The lesion observed is diagnostic of sessile SOC, a neoplasm that must have had aesthetic and, possibly, neurovascular complications due to its large size.

Significance

By offering a detailed description of a case of tibial osteochondroma and discussing the possible complications the individual might have experienced during life, this study highlights the role and importance of benign bone tumors in paleo-oncology.

Limitations

Histological analysis was not carried out in order to preserve the integrity of the affected tibia.

Suggestions for further research

More attention should be devoted to benign tumors in paleopathology as their occurrence and manifestations in the past will lead to a better understanding of their impacts on the quality of life of affected individuals and to greater knowledge of their natural history.