A case of benign osteogenic tumour in Homo naledi: Evidence for peripheral osteoma in the U.W. 101-1142 mandible

Descriptive catalog of Homo naledi dental remains from the 2013 to 2015 excavations of the Dinaledi Chamber, site U.W. 101, within the Rising Star cave system, South Africa

More than 150 hominin teeth, dated to ∼330-241 thousand years ago, were recovered during the 2013-2015 excavations of the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star cave system, South Africa. These fossils comprise the first large single-site sample of hominin teeth from the Middle Pleistocene of Africa. Though scattered remains attributable to Homo sapiens, or their possible lineal ancestors, are known from older and younger sites across the continent, the distinctive morphological feature set of the Dinaledi teeth supports the recognition of a novel hominin species, Homo naledi. This material provides evidence of African Homo lineage diversity that lasts until at least the Middle Pleistocene. Here, a catalog, anatomical descriptions, and details of preservation and taphonomic alteration are provided for the Dinaledi teeth. Where possible, provisional associations among teeth are also proposed. To facilitate future research, we also provide access to a catalog of surface files of the Rising Star jaws and teeth.

Osteoma of the zygomatic bone from 16th century Sardinia (Italy) in the framework of a paleoepidemiological study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper is to evaluate a case of osteoma of the zygomatic bone in a post-medieval individual in the context of a paleoepidemiological approach.

MATERIALS

Forty-five skulls from the plague cemetery of Alghero (Sardinia, Italy), dating back to the end of the 16th century, were evaluated for the presence of osteomata on the outer surface of the cranial vault and facial bones.

METHODS

Macroscopic examination was performed using standard anthropological methods. The bone presenting the lesion was submitted to radiological examination through cone beam; a 3D reconstruction was obtained with a surface 3D scanner.

RESULTS

Only one case of osteoma was observed in an adolescent aged 13-15 years, located on the right zygomatic bone. The lesion consisted of a rounded mass of 0.5 cm in diameter composed of compact bone, as also the radiographic study demonstrates. The prevalence of osteoma on the outer surface of the cranial vault and facial bones in the population of Alghero was 2.2 %.

CONCLUSIONS

This case offers the opportunity to enrich the knowledge about the presence of benign tumors among past populations and to evaluate this lesion in dry bone.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides paleoepidemiological data on the scarce area of benign tumors in paleo-oncology and presents the first documented osteoma of the zygomatic bone in paleopathology.

LIMITATION

Histological study was not performed for conservative issues.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Increasing the attention to benign tumors is essential to deepen our knowledge about paleoepidemiology of neoplastic lesions.

Paleo-oncology: Taking stock and moving forward

This article serves as an introduction to the International Journal of Paleopathology's special issue, Paleo-oncology: Taking Stock and Moving Forward. Reflecting the goals of the special issue, this paper has been designed to provide an overview of the current state of paleo-oncology, to introduce new and innovative paleo-oncological research and ideas, and to serve as a catalyst for future discussions and progress. This paper begins with an overview of the paleo-oncological evidence that can be found in ancient remains, followed by a summary of significant paleo-oncological findings and methodological advances to date. Thereafter, challenges in estimating past prevalence of cancer are highlighted and recommendations are made for future advancements in paleo-oncological research. The ground-breaking studies included in the special issue and referenced throughout this introduction embody the many ways in which progress can be made in the field of paleo-oncology.