The Woman Who Lived With a Tumor That Grew Teeth
Understanding a Rare Medical Phenomenon
A woman once lived with a rare tumor inside her body that actually grew teeth, a startling medical phenomenon known as a teratoma. Teratomas are unusual growths that can develop tissues such as bone, hair, and even teeth due to their origins from germ cells. Although these tumors are generally benign, their bizarre nature and locations can lead to serious health concerns if left undetected.
Cases like hers have been uncovered not only in modern medicine, but also in archaeological finds from ancient Rome and Egypt, where skeletons have been discovered with calcified tumors containing teeth. The presence of teeth within the tumor makes these stories particularly noteworthy and highlights the surprising ways the human body can develop anomalies over time.
Discovery of The Woman Who Lived With a Tumor That Grew Teeth
Archaeologists discovered a unique burial in a historic Lisbon necropolis, uncovering the remains of a Roman-era woman alongside a rare ovarian tumor that had developed teeth and bone fragments. The find offers insight into both ancient health conditions and burial practices in Portugal during the late Roman period.
Unearthing the Roman Woman
During excavations at the necropolis adjoining Lisbon’s Church and Convent of Carmo, a team of archaeologists revealed a female skeleton dating to around 1,600 years ago.
She was estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old at death, based on skeletal analysis and preserved remains.
Within her pelvic region, specialists identified a calcified mass. On further examination, it was determined this mass was an ovarian teratoma—a benign tumor known to sometimes contain teeth, bone, and hair.
The tumor measured several centimeters in diameter and displayed at least two formed tooth structures as well as a bone fragment. Discovery of such tumors in archaeological contexts is extremely rare.
Location: Lisbon’s Church and Convent of Carmo
The Church and Convent of Carmo is located in the heart of Lisbon, Portugal, and is a significant Gothic monument with centuries of history.
Excavations around its necropolis have produced notable discoveries, including the burial of this Roman woman with the teratoma. The site was active from the late Roman period through medieval times, serving both religious and burial functions.
The necropolis itself contained dozens of burials from various eras. The context of the woman’s grave, positioned among these burials, suggests she may have been a member of the local Roman population rather than the elite.
Lisbon, known as Olisipo in Roman times, was an important port city, and discoveries at Carmo have helped reconstruct daily life and health in ancient Portugal.
Significance of the Archaeological Find
The discovery of a teratoma within the remains of a Roman woman is exceptionally uncommon. Most teratomas do not survive decomposition, making this example valuable for medical and archaeological research.
The find demonstrates how disease and unusual medical conditions were present in ancient societies. It also spotlights the capabilities of current archaeological science to identify complex pathologies in historic skeletal remains.
Researchers can use data from this case to compare ancient and modern health, deepening understanding of ovarian tumors’ origins and prevalence. It stands as one of the few conclusively documented cases of such tumors from antiquity uncovered in situ in a European necropolis.
Understanding Ovarian Teratomas
Ovarian teratomas are a unique category of ovarian tumors that can contain unusual tissues such as teeth, bone, and hair. They arise from germ cells, which are responsible for developing into human eggs, and can be either benign or malignant.
What Is a Teratoma?
A teratoma is a type of germ cell tumor that can develop in the ovaries and other parts of the body. These tumors are distinctive because they may contain tissues like bone, hair, teeth, and even muscle. This happens because germ cells are pluripotent—they can form many different types of body tissue.
Teratomas in the ovaries are most commonly referred to as ovarian teratomas. Most ovarian teratomas are benign (noncancerous), but a small percentage can become malignant (cancerous). Medical literature identifies two main categories: mature teratomas and immature teratomas. Mature teratomas, also called dermoid cysts, are almost always benign, while immature teratomas carry a higher risk of cancer.
Types of Ovarian Tumors
Ovarian tumors are classified based on the cells from which they originate. The three main types are:
Tumor Type Origin Common Examples Epithelial tumors Surface of ovary Serous cystadenoma Germ cell tumors Egg-producing cells Teratoma Stromal tumors Connective tissue Granulosa cell tumor
Teratomas fall under germ cell tumors. Within this group, mature ovarian teratomas are the most frequently diagnosed and usually benign. Immature teratomas are rarer and more likely to be malignant. Some ovarian teratomas are found incidentally, as they often develop without symptoms.
Typical Symptoms and Diagnosis
Most ovarian teratomas develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms, particularly while small. When symptoms do occur, they often include:
Abdominal or pelvic pain
A feeling of fullness or bloating
Changes in menstrual cycles
Occasional acute pain if the tumor twists (ovarian torsion)
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of pelvic examination, ultrasound imaging, and sometimes CT or MRI scans. On imaging, teratomas are often detected by their unique appearance, such as calcification or the presence of fat or tooth-like structures. Blood tests may also help in distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors, but the definitive diagnosis is usually made after surgical removal and histological examination.
Physical Characteristics of the Tumor
The tumor exhibited a complex composition with formations of hard and soft tissues. Tissue analysis revealed an unusual combination of dental, hair, bone, and cystic components interwoven within a single mass.
Presence of Teeth and Hair
Among the tumor’s most distinctive features was the clear presence of fully formed teeth. These teeth were embedded within the mass and sometimes closely clustered, resembling small dental rows. Their shape was similar to normal teeth found in the mouth, with recognizable crowns and roots in some cases.
Strands of hair were also visible, growing from within the tumor. The hair often appeared tangled or matted, and its texture was comparable to typical human hair. In some sections, hair formed small tufts, surrounded by other tissue types. The simultaneous presence of dental and hair structures is characteristic of mature teratomas.
Examining these features with imaging techniques, such as CT scans and X-rays, allowed clinicians to distinguish the tumor’s internal composition. The identification of teeth and hair strongly suggested the origin from germ cells, which have the potential to develop tissue from different organs and body parts.
Bone and Calcified Mass
The tumor contained notable regions of hard, calcified material that resembled bone. Microscopically, these bony elements ranged from small fragments to larger, structured masses with a similar density to skeletal bone. Calcification often made the mass visible in imaging studies, appearing as opaque areas compared to surrounding tissues.
Portions of the tumor sometimes displayed clear evidence of ossification, with bone-like plates or spicules encased within softer tissue. These calcified portions could be mistaken for foreign bodies or stones on radiographs if not carefully examined.
The presence of calcified masses added to the firmness and rigidity of the tumor. This quality complicated surgical removal, as the hard areas required distinct instruments compared to more typical, soft-tissue tumors. A summary of the key bone-related features is provided below:
Characteristic Description Type of Bone Mature, ossified fragments Calcification Level High in specific regions Location Randomly distributed within tumor
Cystic Structure and Other Tissues
The tumor also developed as a cystic mass, with fluid-filled cavities occupying a substantial portion. The cysts typically had thin walls and contained a yellowish or straw-colored fluid, sometimes mixed with keratin debris and hair.
Other tissue types found in the tumor included pieces of muscle, nerve fibers, and occasionally glandular tissue. These elements were intermixed with the cyst lining, creating a multilayered texture. In some cases, fatty tissue was also observed, further diversifying the tumor’s internal landscape.
The combination of solid and cystic regions often caused the tumor to vary in consistency. While some parts were hard or gritty from bone and teeth, cystic sections appeared soft and compressible when examined during surgery. The mixture of such varied tissue types supported its diagnosis as a teratoma.
Comparison to Kidney Stones
While both calcified tumors and kidney stones are hard masses that can develop in the abdominal cavity, their origins and structures differ significantly. Kidney stones are composed primarily of crystallized minerals, such as calcium oxalate or uric acid, and lack any organized tissue structure.
In contrast, the calcified sections of the tumor included recognizable bone and dental tissue. Unlike the uniformity of kidney stones, the tumor’s calcified elements often displayed irregular shapes and embedded living tissue.
Additionally, kidney stones typically form within the renal collecting system, whereas teratomas may develop in sites like the ovaries, tailbone area, or elsewhere in the abdomen. The coexistence of teeth, hair, and bone within the tumor distinguishes it markedly from the simpler composition of a kidney stone.
Medical and Historical Implications
Archaeological findings of teratoma tumors with teeth in ancient remains provide insight into both the health impacts on affected individuals and the broader understanding of historical medical cases. Examining these tumors helps clarify the ways such conditions manifested and affected daily life in previous eras.
Health Effects on the Roman Woman
The Roman woman with a teratoma tumor was found to have abnormal growth in her pelvis, specifically in or near the ovaries and possibly close to the uterus. A tumor of this type may contain teeth, hair, or bone, causing discomfort or physical changes within the pelvic region.
The tumor’s growth could impair surrounding organs, leading to chronic abdominal pain or pelvic pressure. Difficulty urinating, bowel disturbances, and possible reproductive issues might have occurred if the tumor pressed against nearby structures.
Potential health effects and risks include:
Chronic pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
Increased risk of infections due to the tumor’s presence
Possible weight loss from ongoing inflammation or appetite loss
Increased likelihood of complications with pregnancy or menses due to the location of the tumor
Surgical removal was not available in antiquity, making spontaneous rupture or internal bleeding a medical emergency. Such tumors highlight both the enduring nature of these medical challenges and the limits of ancient treatment.
Potential Symptoms Experienced
Patients with ovarian teratomas may experience a range of symptoms depending on the tumor’s size and position. The presence of a toothy mass in the pelvis could result in sustained or intermittent abdominal pain as well as general discomfort.
Common symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting, especially if the tumor causes partial bowel obstruction
Constant or cyclic pelvic pain, often mistaken for menstrual cramps or other gynecological conditions
Sensations of a pelvic mass, detected by swelling or pressure
If the tumor was sizeable, it might have led to visible abdominal distension. The risk of ectopic pregnancy or new symptoms—such as fever or acute pain—could have signaled tumor complications like rupture or infection.
The lack of modern treatment meant these symptoms persisted or worsened over time, with little relief available beyond possible herbal remedies or rest.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Transformation
Diagnosis and treatment of tumors that grow teeth, such as ovarian teratomas, require a careful approach by medical professionals. These tumors can be benign or malignant, which impacts the medical decisions and risk assessment for each patient.
Historical Medical Understanding
Early medical observations of tumors with teeth and hair can be traced back centuries. Physicians often mischaracterized these growths as bizarre or supernatural due to their unusual appearance. The International Journal of Paleopathology has documented teratomas in archaeological remains, indicating that these tumors are not only a modern phenomenon.
Until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the exact nature of teratomas remained unclear. Pathologists began to recognize that these tumors originated from germ cells that could differentiate into various tissue types, including teeth, hair, and even bone. Classic textbooks started distinguishing benign from malignant variants, allowing for more structured treatment approaches.
In the past, surgical intervention was risky due to a lack of sterile technique and anesthesia. Patients often faced significant health risks, including infection and death. Only with the advancement of surgical practice did treatment outcomes improve significantly, paving the way for modern therapies.
Modern Surgical Approaches
Today, most ovarian teratomas are diagnosed through imaging studies such as ultrasound and CT scans. These tools allow for precise identification of size, location, and structural characteristics, including the presence of teeth or bone. Laboratory tests and tumor markers may assist in evaluating malignancy risk.
Standard treatment for mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) is surgical removal. Laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery is often preferred due to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates compared to open surgery. Surgeons carefully excise the tumor while preserving as much healthy ovarian tissue as possible, especially in younger patients wishing to maintain fertility.
In rare malignant cases, additional interventions like chemotherapy may be necessary. A multi-disciplinary team, including gynecologic oncologists and pathologists, coordinates the approach to ensure complete tumor removal and minimize recurrence risk. Postoperative monitoring is vital to detect any regrowth or transformation.
Risks of Benign Versus Malignant Transformation
Most ovarian teratomas are benign, meaning they do not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Statistically, malignant transformation occurs in only about 1% to 2% of cases, usually in older women. The most frequent malignancy arising from teratomas is squamous cell carcinoma.
Signs of possible malignant transformation include rapid growth, irregular borders, or new symptoms like pain and weight loss. These cases require prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment that may involve both surgery and chemotherapy. The prognosis depends on the stage and type of malignancy at detection.
The distinction between benign and malignant is central to treatment planning. Benign tumors, once removed, do not typically recur or pose ongoing health concerns. Malignant variants, however, require long-term surveillance and may impact overall survival. This risk assessment guides follow-up schedules and informs discussions about future reproductive health.
Significance in Paleopathology and Cultural Context
This case of a woman living with a tumor that developed teeth offers unique insights into the paleopathology of rare medical conditions. It also highlights the cultural and historical attitudes toward disease and bodily abnormalities in the 15th century.
Insights from the International Journal of Paleopathology
The International Journal of Paleopathology has documented historic cases where tumors with tooth-like structures, specifically ovarian teratomas, have been identified in skeletal remains. These studies reveal patterns in the way such conditions present and are preserved over centuries.
Detailed analysis in the journal notes that calcified tumors, like the one found in this woman, often contain differentiated tissues such as teeth or bone. Preservation is possible when these tumors are heavily mineralized, resisting decomposition.
Researchers study histological samples and imaging data to confirm diagnoses. This allows for comparison with modern clinical descriptions, bridging ancient and contemporary understanding of teratomas.
Similar Cases in History
Other archaeological finds have uncovered tumors with developed teeth in remains from different historical periods. Notable examples include a 1,600-year-old Roman woman found with a similar pelvic mass, and an ancient Egyptian burial where a tumor with multiple teeth was documented.
In the 15th century, such medical anomalies were likely misunderstood and may have influenced burial customs. Some burials included ritual objects believed to offer protection or healing, reflecting community responses to unexplained conditions.
A table of documented cases helps visualize these findings:
Time Period Location Notable Find Roman (~1,600 years) Italy Tumor with teeth and bone Ancient Egypt Egypt Ovarian tumor with teeth Early Colonial Period Peru Tumor with 83 bones, 37 teeth 15th century Europe Pelvic mass with teeth
Impact on Medical and Archaeological Knowledge
Discoveries like these inform both medical history and archaeological methodology. They expand knowledge of how rare conditions like teratomas manifested before the development of modern medicine.
From a medical perspective, finding a tumor with teeth in historical remains confirms that these conditions are not recent phenomena. It provides information about the prevalence, appearance, and life impact of such pathologies in different populations and eras.
Archaeologists use these findings to revise interpretations of burial sites. Awareness of abnormal skeletal features, such as fibro-osseous masses or dental elements in unexpected locations, reduces the risk of misdiagnosis during excavation and analysis.
