A fascinating scientific discovery made by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the University McMaster brought to light a disease that could be considered the oldest in the world. This is osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that was conceived in a dinosaur that lived an impressive 77 million years ago.
The news of this discovery was published in the renowned magazine The Lancet Oncology in August 2020, revealing the surprising diagnosis of an osteosarcoma in a fossil of a Centrosaurus apertus. It was found in the Alberta region of Canada in 1989, but it was only now that the disease was identified.
Understand a little more about the disease
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects bones, compromising their structure and functionality. It is more common in humans, but this finding suggests that this illness it existed millions of years ago, even reaching the dinosaurs.
A detailed analysis of the fossil features revealed pathological consistencies with osteosarcoma, including the presence of malignant tumors in the leg bone known as the fibula.
This discovery has significant value for science and paleontology, as it expands our knowledge about the health of prehistoric animals and their susceptibility to serious diseases. In addition, it makes us reflect on the longevity and persistence of certain diseases throughout the history of the Earth.
Through advances in technology and innovative scientific techniques, experts are gradually unlocking secrets about Earth’s past and the diseases that plagued its most ancient inhabitants. The discovery of osteosarcoma in a dinosaur fossil is just one stunning example of this ongoing progress.
As the search continues, it is possible that new discoveries will emerge about ancient diseases that have affected different species throughout history. This information helps us better understand the evolution of diseases and develop more effective diagnosis and treatment strategies in modern times.
Photograph: Anthony Hutchings/University of Southampton/Reproduction
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