Mr. Key supposed that the tumor had originated from the diplöe, and believed that the only chance of relief in such a case would be trephining; but he acknowledged that there was little encouragement to operate in these cases, owing to the tendency of the disease to return in some other part. He related an instance of the true medullary fungus taking its origin from the cancellous structure of the os femoris. The limb was removed, but the patient died. A circle of fungoid glands was observed at the base of the heart, and some of the bronchial glands were in the same condition.
Dr. Conquest expressed his belief that carcinoma was always a constitutional affection, and stated that at least in nine cases of cancer uteri out of ten, there was carcinomatous affection of the pylorus, mesenteric glands, or liver.
Mr. Key and Dr. F. Ramsbotham had not observed, in their examinations, the coincidence noticed by Dr. Conquest.
The remainder of the evening was occupied by a discussion on the different kinds of ulceration that occur about the os and cervix uteri, and the circumstances under which the removal of the uterus, or the amputation of the cervix, may be warrantable.
Dr. Babington adverted to the occasional existence of a family disposition to carcinoma. He had known three sisters successively die of cancer in the breast.
MEDICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.
Dec. 13th and 20th, 1828.
Dr. Haslam in the Chair.
The subject of discussion, at the first of these meetings, was stricture of the rectum, when the diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma of that part came under consideration. There was a remarkable discrepancy in the opinions of Messrs. Lloyd and Salmon as to the symptoms and management of carcinomatous affections of the rectum. Mr. Lloyd maintained that these affections of the intestine were sometimes attended with pain and sometimes not, and that the patients were often materially benefited by the use of bougies; while Mr. Salmon affirmed, that the disease was always painful, and not to be mitigated by the employment of these means.