CARCINOMATA — SCIRRIIUS. 443 



containing one or more nuclei and distinct nucleoli, grouped in 

 rounded or variously shaped connective spaces termed alveoli, 

 and which are said to be in direct communication with the 

 lymphatics at the margins of the tumour, each alveolus having 

 a boundary or wall of fibrous tissue, called the stroma. They 

 are divided according to the amount and nature of the stroma, 

 and the number and character of the cells, into hard, epithelial, 

 and soft cancers. 



HARD CANCER, OR SCIRRHUS, 



Is dense and white in its structure, arranged in masses, with 

 projections passing from its centre to various parts of the organ 

 which it attacks. It cuts up almost like cartilage, and after 

 being cut the surfaces botli become concave, and the haemor- 

 rhage from them is uniform, without jet, and more excessive 

 than from the surrounding tissues. It differs from a simple 

 tumour by being more rapid in its growth, by its tendency to 

 involve the lymphatic glands, to break through the organ in 

 which it is developed, and to involve neighbouring textures. 

 When developed in the mouth and face, it interferes with the 

 process of mastication, and causes the animal rapidly to lose 

 flesh ; but when it is so situated as not to interfere with any of 

 the animal or vital functions, it does not seem to affect the 

 constitution for a long period, or until ulceration has taken place. 

 The ulcer then involves the adjacent parts, and a fungus is 

 thrown out, haemorrhage occurs, and the patient suffers from 

 irritation and exhaustion. 



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 mammae 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 involved, the 

 formal as well as the original tumour are to be excised. 



Professor Bennett has suggested a method of destroying 



