Presumed calcified leiomyoma of the uterus. Morphologic and chemical studies of a calcified mass dating from the Neolithic period.
An isolated, calcified mass was found among human skeletal remains that were approximately 5,000 years old. A systematic study was undertaken that included histologic examination (stained sections, polarized light microscopy, microradiographs, and electron microscopy), x-ray diffraction, and concentrations of hydroxyproline and fluorine. The results allowed us to eliminate the diagnoses of bone tissue and intracavitary deposits such as bezoar and calculi. The mass consisted of calcified tissue, with a collagenous organic matrix and deposits of apatite, and it most probably was a calcified uterine leiomyoma.
D003648:Decalcification Technique; D005260:Female; D005461:Fluorine / Q000032:analysis; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000032:analysis; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008852:Microradiography; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010164:Paleopathology; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D005461:Fluorine; D006909:Hydroxyproline