166 



CAVERNOUS TUMOURS. 



the three degenerated clusters of fat-cells, we see an artery of 

 larger calibre in transverse section. The vessel is firmly con- 

 tracted ; the intima, much thickened, is thrown into four longi- 

 tudinal folds ; the lumen is a mere slit : we can readily perceive 

 how a farther contraction of the circular fibres would inevitably 

 lead to its obliteration. I can assure the reader, that the very 

 same artery, when fully dilated, would take up about twelve 

 times as much space as it now occupies. 



Fig. 54. 





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:/"^// 



The development of a cavernous tumour in adipose tissue. 

 Three clusters of fat-cells, representing the various phases 

 in the development of the tumour ; a divided artery is seen 

 in the right upper corner. From the imnniculns adiposus 

 of the cheek, -^hn- 



Cavernous tumours originate by preference in the adipose 

 lavers of the oro-anism. On one occasion I found cavernous 

 metamorphosis going on in the interior of a lipoma. It mar/ 

 occur, as has been already said, in any organ of the body which 

 possesses blood-vessels ; in any organ therefore except cartilage, 

 the cornea, and the vitreous humour. It is not unfrequently 

 multiple. Cases are on record of a cavernous tumour of the 

 skin having been associated with similar growths in the muscles- 

 and bones. 



