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Tumors of the Neck.Such enlargement of the glands occurs in the course of acute diseases which are accompanied with an inflammation of the throat. Thus they are very common in scarlet fever and diphtheria. After recovery from these diseases, the glands subside spontaneously, so that in a few weeks no trace of their former dimensions can be detected. In certain constitutional taints, however, the enlargement of the glands persists for a long while. The commonest of these constitutional conditions is scrofula. By scrofula we understand a depraved condition of the system, which occurs with especial frequency in the children of consumptive parents. In fact, scrofula and tuberculosis (consumption) seem to be manifestations of the same unnatural condition. The enlarged glands of a scrofulous child are apt to occasion a great deal of trouble. For a long time they remain hard and painless ; but, sooner or later, they become, one at a time perhaps, somewhat tender. It will then be noticed that the lump is no longer hard and firm as before, but has become softened and feels as if it were a little sac containing a thick liquid. Such is in fact the case. The gland has become softened by the formation of matter within it. In the most favorable cases, this matter may be taken back into the system without breaking the skin ; but, in the majority of instances, the matter will find its way to the surface. If it be allowed to break through the skin spontaneously, it usually burrows for a considerable distance before escaping through the skin. The result is that the neck becomes honeycombed with a series of channels-technically called fistulę-which are sometimes of considerable length. The matter oozes through these openings, but little escaping during the twenty-four hours. Yet the affection is an extremely obstinate one, and resists many efforts at cure. It is therefore desirable, in the interest of the patient, that the matter should be let out with the surgeon's knife rather than allowed to escape spontaneously There will remain, of course, a scar for every incision; but this scar is very neat, and even positively handsome, when compared with the long, uneven and ragged scars which remain after the matter has been allowed to burrow under the skin before escaping. Treatment.-The treatment of these scrofulous glands must begin, and in fact consists chiefly in the administration of remedies which shall improve the child's general health. For this purpose we rely largely upon sanitary measures. The child must be well fed and permitted plenty of sunshine, air and recreation. In addition, we may prescribe cod-liver oil, a teaspoonful of which may be given after meals. The patient may also take fifteen drops of the syrup of the iodide of iron in water three or four times a day. The local treatment of the glands consists first in an effort to prevent the formation of matter. This will be impossible if the child be not placed in the best sanitary condition. For the purpose of preventing suppuration (the formation of matter) the tincture of iodine may be painted over the lump two or three times a week. If this be found to irritate the skin too much, the iodine tincture may be diluted with glycerine. The followinf solution will be found less irritating : Iodine, ------ Four grains. Iodide of potassium, ' - - - One drachm. Glycerine, ----- One ounce. Water, _____ One ounce. After it has become evident that matter is already formed in the gland, it is advisable to have the swelling opened at once, in order to avoid the burrowing of the matter and the formation of troublesome fistulę, such as will otherwise occur. If these fistulę have once been formed, it is usually necessary to lay them open freely with the knife in order to heal them. But first, if you want to come back to this web site again, just add it to your bookmarks or favorites now! Then you'll find it easy! Also, please consider sharing our helpful website with your online friends.
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