420 TUMOURS. 



The only treatment is early removal, if the tumour is situated 

 in a part where an operation can be performed. The applica- 

 tion of escharotics is not to be recommended, excision being by 

 far the better method. In the mamm?e of dogs the operation 

 nearly always affords relief, if the brachial or inguinal glands 

 be not affected. I have operated on many cases, and always 

 with success ; but I have taken care not to do so when the 

 glands are much enlarged ; but if the external gland be enlarged, 

 and when it can be ascertained that internal ones are not in- 

 volved, the former as well as the original tumour are to be excised. 



Professor Bennett has suggested a method of destroying can- 

 cer, by injecting weak acetic acid into the tumour. The sug- 

 gestion has arisen from the fact that acetic acid destroys the 

 cells of cancer, transforming them into amorphous matter. 



SOFT CANCER. 



This is met with in two forms, namely, medullary sarcoma 

 or cerebriform tumour, and the colloid, alveolar, or gelatini- 

 form, as it is variously named. The term colloid seems to be 

 preferred by modern writers. 



(1.) Colloid Cancer. — I have met with specimens of colloid 

 cancer, since the publication of the first edition of this work, in 

 the ovaries, kidneys, and in the brachial lymphatics. The 

 specimens, as well as one met with in the duodenum of the 

 horse by Dr. Young, were found to correspond with those seen 

 in human beings, in whom it is found as a primary disease, 

 principally in the digestive organs, uterus, mammary gland, and 

 peritoneum : and, as a secondary disease, in the lungs and 

 lymphatic giands. It consists of fibres so arranged as to form 

 alveoli or spaces, varying in size, and containing a soft, viscous, 

 and nearly liquid matter, grey or amber-like in colour, but 

 sometimes opaque, and of a greenish -yellow^ hue. This is the 

 true colloid, or glue-like substance. The density of the tumour 

 mil depend upon the proportions of its two constituent 

 materials. If the colloid matter predominates over the fibrous 

 material, the tumour will have a soft, fluctuating feel, and will 

 be made up of large masses of colloid substance, intersected by 

 white fibrous cords or thin partitions, arranged as in areolar 

 tissue. But when the fibrous texture is predominant, the 

 tumour will appear as a tough, white, fascia-like mass, con- 



