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TUMORS

Categories: Constitutional Diseases

A tumor is a new growth which produces a localized enlargement of
a part, or an organ, has no tendency to a spontaneous cure, has no useful

function, in most cases tends to grow during the whole of the individual's

life. Clinically, tumors are divided into the benign and the malignant.



A benign tumor is usually composed of tissues, resembling those in which

it originates.



A malignant tumor usually
onsists of tissues widely different from those

in which it originates; its growth is rapid and therefore often painful;

it infiltrates all the surrounding tissues, however resistant, even bone,

because it is never encapsulated; it thus early becomes immovable; the

overlying skin is apt to become adherent, especially when the breast is

involved. Sooner or later it usually infects the group of lymphatic glands

intervening between it and the venous circulation and from these new

centres, or directly through the veins, gives rise to secondary deposits

in the internal organs.



Some varieties. 1. Fibrous tumors; these consist of fibrous tissues. 2.

Fatty tumors (or lipomata); these consist of normal fat tissue. 3.

Cartilaginous tumors; consist of cartilage. 4. Osseous (bony) tumors. 5.

Mucous tumors (myxomata). 6. Muscular tumors (myomata). 7. Vascular tumors

(Angeiomata). 8. Nerve tumors (Neuromata).



Malignant Sarcoma (Sarcomata). These are a variety of tumors. The result

of these varies with the location of the tumor. If located in the jaw, an

operation may cure it. If in the tonsil or lymphatic gland, it destroys

life rapidly. If in the sub-cutaneous tissue, it may be repeatedly

removed, the system remaining free, or the amputation of the limb involved

will probably cure the disease.



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