Paul of Aegina (ca 625‐690 AD): an early description of a rare basal cell carcinoma of the breast

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageBasal cell carcinoma of the breast is a rare type of skin cancer. A probable case reported c.650AD is described with very similar localized symptoms. Understanding its emergence and evolution could improve diagnosis and treatment.

Paul of Aegina (ca 625-690 AD): Operating on All, from Lymph Nodes in the Head and Neck to Visceral Organs in the Abdomen

“…Furthermore, he had described the effect produced by mandrake, "when someone drinks mandragor, stupor appears, with loss of strength, and a strong inclination to sleep, called lethargy" [14]. His vivid descriptions of a series of surgical techniques like tracheotomy, tonsillectomy (amygdalectomy), catheterization of the bladder, transurethral lithotomy, inguinal herniotomy, cauterization, abdominal paracentesis for ascites, finger amputation, cancerous mastectomy, uterus cancer, and many other surgical procedures, including reduction of breast size (aesthetic surgery) and cataract lead us to the conclusion that his skills were unparallel [14][15][16].…”