Evidence of cancer in Ancient Egyptian mummy | HeritageDaily

A study of a 2,000-year-old mummy has identified extensive facial defects, indicating that the individual suffered from nasopharyngeal cancer.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer originating in the nasopharynx, most commonly in the postero-lateral nasopharynx or pharyngeal recess (fossa of Rosenmüller).

Based on computed tomography, the study, led by the Warsaw Mummy Project and the Department of Oncology at the Medical University of Warsaw, indicates the possibility of tumour changes in the bones, whilst facial changes to the nasopharyngeal bones are apparent which…