Different malignant growths exhibit the local and general evidences of malignancy in very varying degrees. Thus, the cancer of the skin, commonly known as the rodent ulcer, exhibits its malignancy simply by a slowly progressive destruction of the surrounding tissues without even, in its latest stages, showing any tendency to produce metastases. An example of the opposite extreme is afforded by certain cutaneous pigmented (melanotic) growth, in which the primary growth remains as an altogether insignificant pigmented spot, though it may already have given rise to widely distributed secondary deposits in the lymphatic glands and elsewhere, which rapidly prove fatal.
In view of the great frequency of the disease, it is remarkable how very few cases are on record which appear to illustrate the transmission from one individual to another. There is no proof that the condition is infective.
In considering the causation of malignant growths, perhaps the most clearly established fact is the frequent development of the diseases in tissues which are already altered, by various chronic inflammatory changes often resulting from long standing irritation. So close appears to be the connection is some instances, that certain definite precancerous conditions are recognized. As instances one may mention the development of cancer of the skin in chimney sweeps, and in the workers with tar and paraffin, its occurrence in the Kashmiris from the irritation of the skin of the abdomen and thighs, caused by portable stoves of heated charcoal, and the striking occurrence of the disease from the prolonged action of X-rays. In all these instances, inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) precedes the actual development of the malignant growth. The nature of the irritant evidently varies widely, and may be mechanical, thermal, chemical, or infective.
Mention must be made of the fact that a cancerous change occasionally supervenes in the tissue of a simple tumour.
In the case of that form of malignant disease called sarcoma, injury, such as that producing fracture of bone, sometimes stands in a casual relationship to the development of the growth.
If malignant growths are in any sense dependent upon heredity, it is the predisposition of the tissues to the development of the disease, and not the disease itself which is transmitted. Although the theory of the hereditary nature of Cancer has been widely accepted and striking instances of its occurrence in several members of the same family are not uncommon, it is questionable whether in general, heredity is an important factor in the causation of the disease.
Carcinoma occurs in all parts of the world, and in all classes of vertebrates. There is not proof that it occurs endemically, and the evidence that the disease is more prevalent in some districts than in others and, that in certain house successive inmates have died from it, is not sufficient to suggest the existence of any external exciting cause. The greater prevalence of certain forms of Cancer in particular districts can usually be explained by causes other than any climatic influence. Thus the frequency of Cancer of the mouth in the women of India and Ceylon, is not due to the mere fact of locality, but to the practice of chewing betel nut to which the women in those countries are addicted.
Before leaving the subject of the causation of malignant disease, it may be stated that the popular idea that there has been a steady increase in the frequency of Cancer is probably erroneous. The supposed increase is certainly to a large extent, if not altogether, explicable by the increasing accuracy with the disease is detected and recorded, and by the fact that an increasingly large number of individuals reach the age at which Cancer becomes common.
TREATMENT. Except perhaps in the case of that form of malignant disease termed rodent ulcer, there is, at the present day, no means of treating a malignant tumour in the early stages of its growth, which holds out a sufficient hope of effecting a cure to justify recourse to it rather than in resorting at once to removal by operation. Unfortunately in the majority of cases of malignant disease, it is the presence of metastases which render the condition inoperable.
Operation for a malignant tumor may sometimes be justified, even when a cure is not obtained, if the patient’s life is prolonged in a condition of comparative comfort, or even if life is not prolonged, if the distress and suffering due to the primary growth are relieved.
The treatment cannot be commenced too early. There is no single remedy which is capable of curing every given case of Cancer; but cases of even advanced Cancer have been cured by different remedies. Each case must be treated according to its own peculiarities. And in those cases which are beyond the reach of actual cure, the sufferings attendant on this malady may be greatly alleviated, and life prolonged, by the use of our remedies.
Arsenicum. – In many cases in our own practice we have witnessed the priceless value of this remedy, in different attenuations, perseveringly administered, these cases having been marked by the severe pain and the general cachexia of true Cancer. The utility of this drug is also often expressed by the restoration and maintenance of the patient’s general health. Arsenicum in low dilutions, or Flower’s Solution, we have found most remedial.
Hydrastis has been extolled, and is undoubtedly useful when the Cancer involves the glands or the uterus. We use it both internally and externally.
Conium. – Scirrhus of the breast, following a local injury.
Carbo Animalis has effected much improvement in the discharges of Cancer, and has also revived the dormant energies of the system.
Thuja may be chiefly depended on in the simpler varieties of tumors.
Aurum. – Cancerous affection of the bones.
Aconitum (Radix). – The writer, in a recent case of Cancer, of a very virulent character, found the strong tincture of Aconite of more service than any other remedy. Its power in relieving the agonizing sufferings of the patient was striking; even when Opium, Morphia, etc., by hypodermic injection, could not be borne, Aconite lulled the pain, calmed the nervous excitement, and procured that much-needed blessing, sleep. It was given at first in half-drop doses of the strong tincture, and gradually increased till two or three drops could be taken.
Lapis Albus has acquired some repute in uterine Cancer in the hands of Dr. Grauvogl.
Phosphorus, Belladonna, Sulphur, Kreas., Sepia., Secale., Iodium, Ac-Carbol., Galium Ap., Hydrocotyle, Sanguinaria, K. – Bromium, Platina, and Calcarea may prove useful.
ACCESSORY MEASURES. – In ulcerated cancerous tumours the foetor may be greatly diminished, and the patient’s and attendant’s comfort promoted, by solutions of Carbolic Acid, Peroxide of Hydrogen, Permanganate of Potash, etc., or Iodoform powder dusted on locally; also the internal and external use of Carbo Vegetabilis or Charcoal. Charcoal poultices are soothing. Chlorate of Potash in small crystals or powder may be sprinkled over open sores, and covered with a wet compress. Freshly ground Coffee is a deodorizer.
Dr. Cooper has recommended an ointment of Ruta, made by extracting the fresh plant in Vaseline. The value of this has been frequently verified, and Dr. Cooper has had some success with occasional doses at long intervals of the strong tincture of certain vegetable remedies, among which may be mentioned- Scrophularia Nodosa, Lobelia Erinus, Ornithogalum, and Ruta.
60. – Syphilis (Syphilis) – Venereal Disease.
DEFINITION. – A chronic contagious, sometimes congenital, disease peculiar to human subjects, due to the entrance of a specific motile spiral micro-organism, the spirochaeta pallida, through abraded skin or mucous membrane.
Syphilis is usually, but not always, a venereal disease, and is communicated by inoculation which occurs for the most part during sexual intercourse with an infected person. The disease may also be transmitted by infection of the tongue or lips in kissing, by smoking poisoned pipes, by drinking out of infected vessels, by vaccination with human lymph which contains the pus of a syphilitic eruption or the blood of a syphilitic person.
Primary Syphilis. – About twenty-eight days after inoculation a primary sore (hard chancre) appears at the site of infection, which is characterized by a superficial ulcer with indurated base. After about two months it gradually heals and becomes absorbed. So little may the patient be incommoded by the hard chancre that it may be unnoticed. The lymphatic glands of the groin are always somewhat enlarged.
Secondary Syphilis. – From six weeks to three months after the first appearance of the primary sore some slight febrile disturbance, debility, anaemia, and sore throat, usher in a group of so-called secondary symptoms which present considerable variety and may last any time up to two years from infection. The most important are cutaneous eruptions, superficial lesions of the mucous membranes, inflammation of the iris of the eye, pains in joints and bones, etc.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."