Breast pathology in mummies. Modern investigation methods applied to mummified mammary glands

Breast is often observed in mummies but only occasionally investigated, an issue in part explained by conservative purposes. A survey of paleopathological literature showed only one case of lactational changes, one fibroadenoma, and one carcinoma not confirmed by histology. We applied modern investigation methods to the breasts of three mummified women, aged at death 40-70, dating back to 15th, 16th, and 20th century, in order to find out pathological features and validate the approach. Radiography was performed in two subjects and computed tomography (CT) scanning in one. Samples from significant areas were rehydrated with Sandison solution, and routinely processed to obtain histological sections stained with haematoxylin-eosin, Masson’s trichrome, PAS, Van Gieson, von Kossa, and red alizarin stains. Results: In two cases mammography showed diffuse microcalcifications of the outer breast quadrants, similar to those observed in modern patients affected by epithelial proliferative lesions. In the last subject CT scanning did not allow to detect significant alterations. In all cases histology displayed fibrous tissue with empty roundish spaces, possibly related to fibrocystic changes. In one subject a roundish, hyaline formation (0.8 cm in diameter) suggested a fibroadenoma. Microcalcifications appeared as scattered roundish structures with focal calcium deposits in a case, and as rounded basophilic granules with a sligthly eosinophilic center in the other one. Such findings were respectively attributed to taphonomic changes and true breast pathology. Conclusion: Modern senology methods applied to mummified mammaryglands disclose good morphological details and allow an effective approach to ancient breast pathology.