TUMOURS. 



427 



for ordinary wounds of some size. In these operations 

 no skin must be removed unless it is discard, however 

 loose it may seem ; after removal of the tumour it will 

 soon adapt itself to the parts beneath. 



Caustics^ when used for the destruction of tumours, 

 generally require to be several times repeated. The best 

 for this purpose are those which penetrate deeply and 

 cause considerable destruction of tissue, such as the 

 mineral acids. Occasionally destruction is brought about 

 by placing masses of caustic in the centre of the tumour, 

 which lead to destructive changes of the surrounding 

 mass. The red-hot iron is one of the most effectual 

 caustics ; with it a projecting mass of tumour may be 

 amputated without danger from haemorrhage. Acetic 

 acid has been recommended in cancers, as having a 

 special influence in causing swelling and destruction of 

 the cells. (The galvanic cautery is used in human prac- 

 tice.) The ecraseur is a useful instrument for removal 

 of tumours. Ligatures around the pedicles of tumours 

 may be of thread or horsehair; they must not be too 

 large, and must be sufficiently tight to exert firm pres- 

 sure ; an elastic ring may be used instead, and is very 

 effectual. 



'%. 



Fig. 86. — Miles* Ecraseur. 



Fig. 87.— Beach's Ecraseur. 



