Breast Diseases Of Women In Ancient Egypt

This study explores the breast diseases that affected women in ancient Egypt, focusing on their Hieroglyphic terms, sources, symptoms, treatment, and overall understanding of women’s health through medical papyri such as the Ebers Papyrus, Edwin Smith Papyrus, Berlin Papyrus, and Hearst Papyrus, as well as archaeological findings including women mummies. By examining the anatomical features of Egyptian women, historical medical texts, and treatment methods, the study revealed some of the earliest recorded evidence of breast disorders, ranging from infections to the possible early stages of malignance. Ancient Egyptian terms such as weshau (“eating” or “ulceration”) indicate an awareness of progressive tissue destruction, potentially corresponding to abscesses or early cancer stages. Accordingly, the prescriptions in the medical papyri included detailed remedies for breast swellings and inflammations, utilizing honey, oils, fats, resins, castor oil, and herbal compresses for their antibacterial and soothing properties. Conditions such as mastitis, abscess formation, breast pain, and breast ptosis were clinically recognized in ancient times, reflecting an early understanding of the diverse nature of breast diseases.