Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Background: The calvaria plays a vital role in protecting the brain and providing attachment sites for cranial muscles. However, its structure may change in response to systemic disease or localized intracranial processes. Calvarial thickening has been associated with a broad range of conditions, including congenital skeletal dysplasias, acromegaly, chronic anticonvulsant use, and neoplastic disease. Breast and lung cancer are known to metastasize to bone, including the skull, where it may induce osteolytic or osteoblastic changes. Bone metastases are common in advanced malignancy and may occur silently, particularly when unrelated to the primary cause of death. For this reason, identification of focal calvarial thickening is clinically and pathologically significant, especially in individuals with a known history of malignancy.
Objective: To describe a case of frontal calvarial thickening identified during routine gross anatomy dissection in an 87-year-old female cadaver with a history of breast cancer and to explore potential causes.
Methods: During a routine gross anatomy dissection at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, abnormal thickening of the calvaria was observed in an 87-year-old female cadaver. According to the donor’s medical records, the cause of death was myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. After scalp reflection and removal of soft tissues, the calvarium was examined for anatomical abnormalities. Skull measurements were obtained using digital calipers at multiple points and compared to standardized skull measurements.
Results: Notable thickening of the frontal bone was identified, extending into the region of the cribriform plate and over the orbital roof. The right frontal bone measured up to 20.7 mm, with adjacent areas near the midline measuring 19.8 mm. The left frontal bone ranged from 19.3 mm laterally to 15.7 mm toward the midline. In contrast, parietal and occipital measurements remained within or near expected adult ranges (right parietal 7.8 mm, left parietal 4.7 mm, occipital 7.7 mm), indicating a predominantly localized frontal process. No intracranial tumors were found, and there was no documented seizure history or anticonvulsant use.
Conclusion:
This case presents calvarial thickening predominantly affecting the frontal bone in a patient with a history of breast cancer. While the precise cause cannot be determined, her history of neoplastic disease and possible renal pathology are plausible contributors. This case highlights the importance of recognizing calvarial thickening as a potential marker of underlying pathology and the value of postmortem analysis in identifying such findings.
Embargo Period
6-1-2026
Included in
Calvarial Thickening in a Cadaver With a History of Breast Cancer and Terminal Heart Failure
Suwanee, GA
Background: The calvaria plays a vital role in protecting the brain and providing attachment sites for cranial muscles. However, its structure may change in response to systemic disease or localized intracranial processes. Calvarial thickening has been associated with a broad range of conditions, including congenital skeletal dysplasias, acromegaly, chronic anticonvulsant use, and neoplastic disease. Breast and lung cancer are known to metastasize to bone, including the skull, where it may induce osteolytic or osteoblastic changes. Bone metastases are common in advanced malignancy and may occur silently, particularly when unrelated to the primary cause of death. For this reason, identification of focal calvarial thickening is clinically and pathologically significant, especially in individuals with a known history of malignancy.
Objective: To describe a case of frontal calvarial thickening identified during routine gross anatomy dissection in an 87-year-old female cadaver with a history of breast cancer and to explore potential causes.
Methods: During a routine gross anatomy dissection at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, abnormal thickening of the calvaria was observed in an 87-year-old female cadaver. According to the donor’s medical records, the cause of death was myocardial infarction and coronary artery disease. After scalp reflection and removal of soft tissues, the calvarium was examined for anatomical abnormalities. Skull measurements were obtained using digital calipers at multiple points and compared to standardized skull measurements.
Results: Notable thickening of the frontal bone was identified, extending into the region of the cribriform plate and over the orbital roof. The right frontal bone measured up to 20.7 mm, with adjacent areas near the midline measuring 19.8 mm. The left frontal bone ranged from 19.3 mm laterally to 15.7 mm toward the midline. In contrast, parietal and occipital measurements remained within or near expected adult ranges (right parietal 7.8 mm, left parietal 4.7 mm, occipital 7.7 mm), indicating a predominantly localized frontal process. No intracranial tumors were found, and there was no documented seizure history or anticonvulsant use.
Conclusion:
This case presents calvarial thickening predominantly affecting the frontal bone in a patient with a history of breast cancer. While the precise cause cannot be determined, her history of neoplastic disease and possible renal pathology are plausible contributors. This case highlights the importance of recognizing calvarial thickening as a potential marker of underlying pathology and the value of postmortem analysis in identifying such findings.