A case of carcinoma of the vermiform appendix / by Alex. Mills Kennedy.

  • Kennedy, Alexander Mills.
Date:
[1909]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: A case of carcinoma of the vermiform appendix / by Alex. Mills Kennedy. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    tip of the appendix and is magnified 75 times. It shows the large cell masses of that situation arranged in the alveoli of the rather scanty fibrous stroma. In a few of the smaller alveoli the tubular arrangement of the cells around a central lumen is apparent. The section also shows the carcinoma invading the muscular wall, a solid process of cells being seen above and to the right infiltrating the muscle. There are one or two points of special interest in this case that are worth emphasising. While carcinoma of the appendix in itself is a rare condition, the situa- tion of the tumour in this case is quite unique. The appendix has been divided into two segments, in all probability the result of cicatrisation, and in the sequestrated distal portion the carcinoma is situated. This is of interest in view of Kibbert's theory of tumour forma- tion—viz., that tumours arise from a partial or complete separation of cells or groups of cells from their organic con- tinuity, in other words, from mechanical isolation. Although the condition has never been diagnosed, two cases in addition to the one reported above have been suspected beforehand. These two cases are mentioned by C. B. Lockwood in his article on appendicitis in Allbutt's System of Medicine. In one instance cancer was suspected on account of the family history of cancer ; and in the other on account of the marked anasmia, wasting, and loss of energy. This latter corresponds to the present case, in which there were obviously consider- able loss of strength, progressive failure of health and weak- ness, in addition to the localising symptoms, all of which raised Dr. Monro's suspicions. In nearly every instance the symptoms have been those of one or other form of appendicitis, and as all medical men are now alive to the dangers of this condition and the advisability of early removal of the appendix, it is probable that to this is due the favourable prognosis in these cases. I am indebted to Dr. J. H. Teacher, Dr. Monro, and Mr. Kutherfurd for permission to publish this case. Glasgow.
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