Cases of fibro-cellular tumor in the scrotum : with remarks / by C.R. Thompson.

  • Thompson, Charles Robert.
Date:
[1850]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Cases of fibro-cellular tumor in the scrotum : with remarks / by C.R. Thompson. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    CASES OF FIBRO-CELLULAR TUMOR IN THE SCROTUM: WITH REMARKS. By C. R. THOMPSON, M.R.C.S. L.S.A. OXTED, SURREY. Read on Thursday, October 31, 1850. The structures composing and con- tained within the scrotum are so various, and liable to so many different diseases, that tumors occuning in that region must frequently present the greatest difficulty of diagnosis. The integument is a favourite seat for the development of tubercular or carcinomatous growths. The ceUular tissue may become affected, together with the skin, by hypertrophy and induration, or in it may he developed tumors of a fatty* or fibrous character, such as occur in the cellular tissue of other parts of the body; or, again, it may be the seat of inflammation, or of effusions of urine, pus, or blood. The testis and its appendages are subject to many and widely differing diseases; and lastly, into the scrotum the varieties of inguinal hernia may force their way. It is only by carefully studying the features presented by each disease that we can hope to attain to a more certain diagnosis; and the more unusual the case, the more imperative is the duty of the surgeon to record its peculiarities. With this view the following case is offered to the Society. Case.—W. W , aged 70, first applied for advice in July, 1849, on account of a tumor occupying the scro- tum, and presenting the following cha- racters :— The tumor, about as large as a bul lock’s heart, distended the whole left side of the scrotum, encroaching also considerably on the right half, particu- larly at the base, and almost entirely burying the penis. Somewhat oval in shape, it resembled, at first sight, an enormous hydrocele; but, on closer examination, was found to be uneven and rather lobulated, some parts being hal'd and brawny, others soft and fluc- tuating. A small protrusion at the lowest part of the tumor appeared to be the left testicle, pushed down before the growth, and either adherent to it, or firmly fixed by its pressure. There was some fulness about the abdominal ring, but the tumor did not appear to pass up as high as the ring; the spermatic cord hard, and about the size of one’s finger, being felt for a very short interval be- tween the tumor and the external ring. On examination with a candle no part was found capable of transmitting light. No impulse was to be perceived in the tumor or at the ring, on coughing or exertion There was no enlai'gement or induration of the inguinal glands. The introduction of a small gi'ooved needle into a soft fluctuating part was followed by a few drops of blood only. The right testicle appeared healthy, and occupied its usual position. History.—The patient was of a dark sallow complexion, and of cachectic appearance; a shoemaker; the father of a large family; very healthy tlirough- out life, and generally temperate. He stated that the tumor had been eight years in aniving at its. present size, during which time he had never con- sulted a surgeon about it. He first perceived the sweUing andhai'dnessjust above the left testicle in the scrotum, and, he thought, not connected with the * Med. Gaz.jVoI. xxxvi. p. 177.