Dear HistArch'ers, 

A colleague of mine, who is a medical researcher (not an archaeologist),
asked me to post this query: he and his research team are searching for
archaeological examples of ovarian teratomas, also called dermatoid cysts,
which are benign growths that can include teeth and bones. 

The archaeological manifestation would be isolated teeth or bones in the
pelvic region of the skeleton.

In particular he anticipates that these might be identified in historic
cemeteries associated with poorhouses, hospitals, and asylums, as the tumors
sometimes can cause symptoms that are mistaken for spirit possession or
insanity - hence the query to this list.

Please respond to me off-list and I will compile and forward any for any
suggestions and citations to his team.

Many thanks,
Barb


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Barbara L. Voss, Associate Professor
Department of Anthropology
450 Serra Mall, Bldg. 50, Main Quad
Stanford University
Stanford CA 94305-2034
650 723-3421 (dept office)
650 725-0605 (fax)
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