CHAPTER IX. 

 DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS AND SPLEEN. 



DiieascG of the pancreas: inflammation, degeneration, calculi, etc. Diseases 

 of ihe spleen : tuberculous, cancerous, glanderous, inflammatory, congestive, 

 . apoplectic. Hypertrophy, Atrophy, Lymphadenoma, Leukaemia. 



DISEASES OF THE PANCREAS, 



Though subject to a variety of diseases as shown by the 

 existence of abscess, tuberculosis, sarcoma, melanosis, cancer, 

 calculi, and worms (Sclerostomum Equinum) after death, this 

 organ is so deeply seated and the result of its disorder so little 

 manifest, that its pathological states usually pass without 

 recognition during life. One symptom only is characteristic — 

 the passage of much undigested fat with the dung. The fatty 

 aliment is mainly emulsionized by the pancreatic juice, and its 

 presence in the stools unchanged may be held to imply sup- 

 pression of that secretion. If this condition coincides with 

 general fever, colicky pains, and tenderness behind the last rib 

 on the right side, iiiflavimation of the gland may be suspected ; 

 if with sharper colic but without fever, obstruclion of the pan- 

 creatic duct by calculi will be suggested. 



Inflammation sliould be treated on general principles by 

 laxatives, blisters to the right side of the abdomen and spare 

 diet ; Calculi by antispasmodics and fomentations as for gall- 

 Etones ; and simple suppressed secretion by sulphuric ether. 



