The mamma and testicle, and the contents of the orbit in children, are
the most frequent seats of this disease; it not unfrequently occurs
in the lymphatic glands, and few textures can be considered as exempt
from it. The part at first enlarges slowly: but afterwards the disease
advances with great rapidity, involving the adjacent parts. In general,
the affection is not attended with much pain; the part has a spongy and
elastic feel, and frequently presents an obscure sense of fluctuation,
indicating that softening is more or less begun. The skin is tense,
generally brownish, and is pervaded by large venous branches. This
venous enlargement is always observable in the advanced stage of the
disease, before or after ulceration has taken place; it is peculiarly
evident in the eyelids, when the contents of the orbit are involved,
and is to be attributed to obstruction of the circulation in the deeper
vessels. The tumour is increased by the surrounding parts assuming
a similar action, and being converted into a similar mass; and the
disease also seems to be propagated by means of the absorbent system,
and by the irritation conveyed along the vessels which emanate from
the tumour, or from its immediate vicinity. Thus, when the testicle
or mamma is affected, the lymphatic glands, both above and below the
tumour, and the course of the absorbent vessels, are converted into
an encephaloid mass, all traces of their glandular structure being
completely destroyed. The same brain-like or cancerous matter is also
found in the bloodvessels, large and small. When the disease has been
of long duration, the superincumbent integuments appear tense, assume
a purple colour, and ultimately ulcerate; a portion of the pulpy
mass then protrudes, of a fungous appearance, the resistance being
at that point removed, and the compressed matter relieving itself by
the extension of a portion of its substance; the protruded portion
afterwards becomes discoloured, and sloughs, to be speedily reproduced
either by further dilatation, or by actual increase of the tumour;
unhealthy pus is discharged, often mixed with blood, and occasionally
slight hemorrhage occurs; the integuments become further ulcerated,
assume a dull brown colour widely around, and are undermined,
presenting a boggy feel.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account