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Epignathic Teratoma as a prototype of ancient Greek Gorgoneion
Ì. Kairis
Pathology Department, “P.A. Kyriakou”, Children’s Hospital, Athens

We describe two cases of Epignathus (Basicranial Teratoma) in newborn infants and we compare their morphological characteristics with those of the archaic Gorgoneion as this is depicted in various artistic works of archaeological findings. Gorgoneion, the head of the Gorgon-Medusa with its hideous characteristics, reputed to turn to stone those who looked on it, is associated with the Perseus story of Greek mythology. It is assumed that the face of a person with this congenital tumor could have inspired the conception of mythological Gorgoneion. Other examples of congenital anomalies that have function as prototypes for mythological entities are the cases of Cyclopia and Sirenomelia.

Key words: Epignathus, Teratoma, Mythology, Gorgoneion.

 

 

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