Osteogenic tumour in Australopithecus sediba: Earliest hominin evidence for neoplastic disease
Date
2016-07
Authors
Randolph-Quinney, P.S.
Williams, S.A.
Steyn, M.
Meyer, M.R.
Smilg, J.S.
Churchill, S.E.
Odes, E.J.
Augustine, T.
Tafforeau, P.
Berger, L.R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
Abstract
We describe the earliest evidence for neoplastic disease in the hominin lineage. This is reported
from the type specimen of the extinct hominin Australopithecus sediba from Malapa, South Africa,
dated to 1.98 million years ago. The affected individual was male and developmentally equivalent
to a human child of 12 to 13 years of age. A penetrating lytic lesion affected the sixth thoracic
vertebra. The lesion was macroscopically evaluated and internally imaged through phase-contrast
X-ray synchrotron microtomography. A comprehensive differential diagnosis was undertaken
based on gross- and micro-morphology of the lesion, leading to a probable diagnosis of osteoid
osteoma. These neoplasms are solitary, benign, osteoid and bone-forming tumours, formed from
well-vascularised connective tissue within which there is active production of osteoid and woven
bone. Tumours of any kind are rare in archaeological populations, and are all but unknown in
the hominin record, highlighting the importance of this discovery. The presence of this disease
at Malapa predates the earliest evidence of malignant neoplasia in the hominin fossil record by
perhaps 200 000 years.
Description
Keywords
Malapa, palaeopathology, neoplasia, taphonomy, osteoma, malignant
Citation
Randolph-Quinney, P.S. et al. 2016.Osteogenic tumour in Australopithecus sediba: Earliest hominin evidence for neoplastic disease. South African Journal of Science 112 (7/8): Article number 2015-0470.