140 



SIMPLE HISTOLOGICAL ELEMENTS. 



Perfectly round cells are rarely seen ; though cells approaching this 

 form, of variable diameter, are often discovered. 



2. Caudated Cells. This form is invariably found in the bladder, 

 and was formerly considered the cancer-cell. It is of irregular form, 



Fig. 80. 



Caudated cancer-cells, m. The most usual forms, n. Cells containing double nuclei. Cancer of the 

 bladder invariably contains this variety. 



Fig. 81. 



having from two to five prolongations or poles branching off from 



the body of the cell. (Fig. 80.) 



3. Fusiform Cancer-cell (Fig. 81). 

 This shape is caused by a swelling 

 in the centre, the ends being point- 

 ed so as to form an acute angle. M. 

 Eobin has invariably found it when- 

 ever cancer has attacked the bones. 

 These cells somewhat resemble the 

 fusiform fibres of fibro-plastic tissue 1 

 (Fig. 82), but may be distinguished 

 from them by their greater width 

 and length, the presence of the clear, 

 bright centre, and the greater size 

 of the nuclei. 



Fusiform cancer-cells, a. The nucleus, which in 

 this variety of cell is almost constantly ovoid. The 

 transverse diameter of the cell, and the size of the 

 nucleus in proportion to the cell, together with the 

 characteristic nucleolus, distinguish this variety from 

 the fusiform fibro-plastic element. 



1 And have been mistaken for them by some observers. 



