Case of osteosarcoma of both jaws. In which amputation at the joint was effected, and very considerable portions of each bone were removed by operation / [William Hetling].

  • Hetling, William, 1773-1837.
Date:
[1833]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Case of osteosarcoma of both jaws. In which amputation at the joint was effected, and very considerable portions of each bone were removed by operation / [William Hetling]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    to the house should there appear, at any time, a re¬ newal of the disease, or any uneasiness of the mouth or cheek. Anatomical character of the Tumour after removal. On examination, its lobulated shape had been mostly destroyed, in consequence of considerable portions having been necessarily torn apart by the finger during the operation. Its substance through¬ out possessed the common homogeneous structure of medullary matter, being composed of irregular masses inclosed and separated from each other, more or less completely, by thin membranous septa, bearing, in colour and consistence, a near resemblance to brain. On cutting it into slices, a few blood-vessels were divided, from the orifices of which oozed small por¬ tions of blood. In fact, it possessed all those ana¬ tomical appearances usually characterising medullary sarcoma, with which every practical surgeon is familiar. From this description of the structure of the tumour, it will, as I am aware, at once appear to the correct nosologist, that I have been quite inaccurate in terming this a case of osteo-sarcoma; it is manifest that the title medullary would more clearly have designated its true character; but, as to all the cases I have seen recorded of this disease, to several of which I shall hereafter refer, the common name of osteo-sarcoma has been given; and, as there is no other, that I have observed, under which it has been classed, I did not presume to attempt any change, custom having sanctioned the general acceptation of the term adopted ; and every practical surgeon being