New study of 4600-year-old skull indicates ancient Egyptians may have surgically removed brain tumor

Ancient Egyptians documented cases believed to be cancer 3000 years ago in the Edwin Smith Papyrus. However, evidence of cancer treatment in ancient times has remained elusive until now. 

A 4600-year old Egyptian skull showing signs of brain cancer has been studied since the mid 1800s. The skull, believed to have belonged to a 30 or 35-year-old man at his time of death is housed at the Duckworth Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, 

Recent analysis using a digital microscope and CT scans revealed cut marks around the tumors, likely made with metal instruments, according to a new report in the medical journal Frontiers in Medicine. 

Researchers say it’s unknown if the man was alive when the cuts were made but the discovery is significant.

“It was the very first time that humanity was dealing surgically with what we nowadays call cancer,” senior study author Dr. Edgard Camaros told CNN.

This finding exemplifies the sophistication of ancient Egyptian medicine and serves as a reminder that cancer is not a modern disease but is believed to have existed since the beginning of humankind.