ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This project evaluates a cranial lesion from a Hellenistic-era individual excavated by the Mugla Archaeological Museum in Gülagzi, Turkey. MATERIALS: An osseous tumor measuring 3.02 × 3.54 × 2.98 cm originating from the occipital bone of a probable young adult male. METHODS: The tumor was examined using gross morphological inspection, plain radiography (x-ray), and computed tomography (CT) imaging to identify potential differential diagnoses for the osseous cranial tumor. RESULTS: The lesion in question displays features highly consistent with both osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma. The tumor had a non-sclerotic, sharply demarcated border, a radiolucent nidus measuring less than 2 centimeters in diameter, and homogeneous sclerotic bone surrounding the nidus. CONCLUSIONS: Differential diagnosis determined the osseous tumor to be a benign neoplasm, and in this case the features of the tumor are highly consistent with a diagnosis of either osteoblastoma or osteoid osteoma. SIGNIFICANCE: The identification of novel neoplastic cases in paleopathology represents an important contribution to ongoing discussions regarding the temporality and regional variability of neoplastic conditions in the past. Additionally, a rigorous diagnostic study augmented by x-ray, CT scans, and 3D modeling provides data that can be utilized in future paleopathological studies. LIMITATIONS: Diagnostic interpretation would be aided by histological examination of the tumor, which was impossible in this case. Histological examination would provide a definitive diagnosis. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: Given the high incidence of benign tumors in the clinical literature but a paucity of reports in the paleopathological record, further research is indicated to better understand the implications of benign neoplasms in antiquity.