Section of Laryngology and Otology

Abstract

Rhinology, and Otology. 559 a threat to the life of the patient, and it was necessary to look the case in the face and deal with it. The commonest tissue in the pharynx was lymphatic tissue, and a great proportion of that was furnished by the tonsil. In perhaps 70 per cent, of the affections of the pharynx the fault was in the tonsils, and while that was the case with inflammatory affections, a large proportion of the tumours in that region were of the lymphatics. Bearing that in mind, was one justified, when the growths reached a certain size, in operating upon them'? He sympathized with the gentleman referred to by Dr. Grant w T ho refused to operate on a particular case, for whatever one did in a case of extensive sarcoma of the tonsil one did not remove the whole of the trouble. He came to the conclusion that it was futile to operate on a large growth of the tonsil or a large lympho-sarcoma of the pharynx. When he saw Mr. Browne's case he said he would hesitate to undertake it himself, and so he would, unless he were prepared to do any operation that might be required. It was very necessary to record and note every case which assisted surgeons in dealing with those tumours. Every case fully recorded would assist surgeons to act when they encountered similar ones. The general pathology of tumours of the pharynx was a most interesting subject.The PRESIDENT proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Woods for coming all the way from Dublin to contribute such a valuable opening to the discussion. This was heartily carried. BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.