TUMORS IN NOSE AND PHARYNX. Ill 



NASAL POLYPUS. 



Tumors with narrow bases (somewhat pear-shaped) are occasion- 

 ally found attached to the membrane of the nasal chambers, and are 

 obstructions to breathing through the side in which they are located. 

 They vary much in size ; some are so small that their presence is not 

 manifested, while others almost completely fill up the chamber, 

 thereby causing a serious obstruction to the passage of air. The stem, 

 or base, of the tumor is generally attached high up in the chamber, 

 and usually the tumor can not be seen, but occasionally it increases in 

 size until it can be observed within the nostril. Sometimes, instead of 

 hanging down toward the nasal opening, it falls back into the phar- 

 ynx. It causes a discharge from the nostril, a more or less noisy 

 snuffling sound in breathing, according to its size, a discharge of 

 blood (if it is injured), and sneezing. The side that it occupies can 

 be detected in the same way as described for the detection of the 

 affected side when the breathing is obstructed by a thickened mem- 

 brane. 



The only relief is removal of the polypus, which, like all other 

 operations, should be done by an expert when it is possible to secure 

 one. The operation is performed by grasping the base of the tumor 

 with suitable forceps and twisting it round and round until it is torn 

 from its attachment, or by cutting it off with a noose of wire. The 

 resulting hemorrhage is checked by the use of an astringent lotion, 

 such as a solution of the tincture of iron, or by packing the nostrils 

 with surgeon's gauze. 



PHARYNGEAL POLYPUS. 



This is exactly the same kind of tumor described as nasal polypus, 

 the only difference being in the situation. Indeed, the stem of the 

 tumor may be attached to the membrane of the nasal chamber, as 

 before explained, or it may be attached in the fauces (opening of the 

 back part of the mouth), and the body of the tumor then falls into 

 the pharynx. In this situation it may seriously interfere with breath- 

 ing. Sometimes it drops into the larynx, causing the most alarming 

 symptoms. The animal coughs, or tries to cough, saliva flows from 

 the mouth, the breathing is performed with the greatest difficulty and 

 accompanied by a loud noise; the animal appears as if strangled and 

 often falls exhausted. When the tumor is coughed out of the larynx 

 the animal regains quickly and soon appears as if nothing was ailing. 

 These sudden attacks and quick recoveries point to the nature of the 

 trouble. The examination must be made by holding the animal's 

 mouth open with a balling iron or speculum and running the hand 

 back into the mouth. If the tumor is within reach, it must be re- 

 moved in the same manner as though it were in the nose. 



