A tumour is a swelling or new production, and not a part of the
original composition of the body. Blood may have been effused, and the
coagulated part, becoming organised, is increased in size by deposits
from the vessels which enter it; or perhaps the blood, the coloured
part of it at all events, is taken up and lymph is deposited, which,
if not also removed, “undergoes further changes of a secondary nature,
and remains a parasite or new structure.” Its structure and growth
are modified according to the action which its own vessels assume,
independently of the surrounding vascular system. The bloodvessels may
enter this new growth by a narrow pedicle; or it may be of such a
form as to present an extensive surface, by which it communicates with
the surrounding parts, receiving vascular ramifications from them. As
the growth of the tumour proceeds, the surrounding parts yield, are
condensed, and form an envelope for the new formation; the neighbouring
bloodvessels are excited to a greater degree of action, and more
blood is poured into the vessels of the tumour; the action of these
in turn is very vigorous, and the increase of the new growth is more
and more rapid. They become, it would appear, dilated and tortuous.
Morbid enlargement, or rather new productions, often attain an enormous
size; some have weighed, when recent, upwards of 60 or 70 lbs. Tumours
differ much in structure; and though their general appearance may not
be dissimilar, one will scarcely be found exactly resembling another.
In many cases, the external appearance proves no certain index of the
nature of the tumour; sometimes, however, its feel and general external
character lead the experienced surgeon to form a correct estimate of
its internal structure. It is impossible, by any process of reasoning,
to account for the different actions which these growths possess; and
even minute anatomical investigation, either of healthy or morbid
structures, has not as yet thrown much light upon the subject.
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