Case VIII. Hysteria—Many Years’ Illness—Phantom Tumour—Operation—Cure.
A. B., æt. 24; admitted into the London Surgical Home 16th July, 1862.
History.—Is a single woman, and procures a living by dressmaking. When younger, was a nurse-maid. Catamenia commenced before she was thirteen, but she was not regular until she was nineteen, since which the function has proceeded normally both in time and quantity. Has for many years been ailing, and always had something the matter. Has suffered from intense irritation in the genital region, especially in the bladder, and she has constant pain in the back. For two years has been treated at a dispensary for an abdominal tumour; during this period she has taken much medicine, but without benefit.
On examination the abdomen was found increased in size and universally tympanitic. Under the influence of chloroform the swelling entirely subsided.
July 17. Usual operation performed under the influence of chloroform.
Sept. 2. She was discharged quite cured, all her hysterical symptoms having left her, and the tumour never having been seen since the day of operation.