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Odes EJ, Delezene LK, Randolph-Quinney PS, Smilg JS, Augustine TN, Jakata K, Berger LR. A case of benign osteogenic tumour in Homo naledi: Evidence for peripheral osteoma in the U.W. 101-1142 mandible. Int J Paleopathol 2018; 21:47-55. [PMID: 29778414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The reported incidence of neoplasia in the extinct hominin record is rare. We describe here the first palaeopathological analysis of an osteogenic lesion in the extinct hominin Homo naledi from Dinaledi Cave (Rising Star), South Africa. The lesion presented as an irregular bony growth, found on the right lingual surface of the body of the adult mandible U.W. 101-1142. The growth was macroscopically evaluated and internally imaged using micro-focus x-ray computed tomography (μCT). A detailed description and differential diagnosis were undertaken using gross and micromorphology, and we conclude that the most probable diagnosis is peripheral osteoma - a benign osteogenic neoplasia. These tumours are cryptic in clinical expression, though they may present localised discomfort and swelling. It has been suggested that muscle traction may play a role in the development and expression of these tumours. The impact of this lesion on the individual affected is unknown. This study adds to the growing corpus of palaeopathological data from the South African fossil record, which suggests that the incidence of neoplastic disease in deep prehistory was more prevalent than traditionally accepted. The study also highlights the utility of micro-computed tomography in assisting accurate diagnoses of ancient pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Odes
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Lucas K Delezene
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States
| | - Patrick S Randolph-Quinney
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa; Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Jacqueline S Smilg
- School of Radiation Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Radiology, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tanya N Augustine
- School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Kudakwashe Jakata
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lee R Berger
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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