The diseased parts presented the following appearances. Portions of
the acromion process, superior costa, and spine of the scapula, were
of their natural appearance. But the coracoid process, the glenoid
cavity, and the cervix, were entirely destroyed, and their situation
occupied by an irregular broken-down tumour, consisting of osseous
spiculæ, and cancelli, irregularly disposed, and forming cavities which
were filled with blood, partly fluid and partly coagulated. The head
of the humerus was extensively absorbed. The articulating cartilage
was almost entirely destroyed, particularly on the inner side, where a
large portion of the bony matter had also been removed. The ulcerated
surfaces were of a dark, bloody colour.
[HYDATIC TUMORS.
Another disease of the bones which ought to be introduced here is the
development of hydatids, which I described twelve years ago under the
name of _osteo-hydatidic_ tumours. The seat of this affection is not
confined to any particular class of bones; though the long are perhaps
most prone to it. Its precise nature and origin have not yet been
determined; nor are its symptoms such as to enable us, in the present
state of our knowledge, to distinguish it from exostosis, osteosarcoma,
and other maladies. Its progress is commonly slow, the surface of the
tumour is smooth and regular, the skin exhibits no unusual appearance,
and the adjacent textures rarely participate in the morbid action.
The hydatids, usually of a globular figure, vary greatly in size and
number, and are generally filled with a thin, limpid fluid. They appear
to be of the nature of acephalocysts. The prognosis unfavourable, owing
to the difficulty of destroying these parasites, and their constant
tendency, when interfered with, to reappear.
As soon as the true nature of this tumour is ascertained it should be
laid freely open, its contents turned out, and the sac destroyed. For
this purpose the sides of the cavity should be seared with the actual
cautery, or touched with some of the more powerful escharotics, as the
nitrate of silver, or the caustic potash. If these measures fail, and
the disease involve the whole circumference of the bone, nothing short
of amputation will suffice. This was successfully resorted to in one of
the cases which came under the observation of Mr. Lucas of London.]
TREATMENT OF TUMOURS.
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