Case of a large bony tumor in the face completely removed by spontaneous separation. To which are added, observations upon some of the functions of the soft palate and pharynx / [John Hilton].

  • Hilton, John, 1804-1878
Date:
[1836?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Case of a large bony tumor in the face completely removed by spontaneous separation. To which are added, observations upon some of the functions of the soft palate and pharynx / [John Hilton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    It was bounded below by the nasal surface of the hard palate and the floor of the left antrum: above, by the left frontal sinus and left half of the cribriform plate of the sethmoid bone: internally, by the septum nasi, which presented a general concave surface, with a small opening through it, at the lower part, communicating with the right nostril; and externally, by the left orbit. Posteriorly, it opened into the pharynx. The roof, the outer wall, and part of the inner are now covered with granulations, more or less abundant, with here and there small portions of bone, denuded but not presenting any malignant character. On comparing the measurements from the median line of the face to the malar edges of the orbits, the distance on the left side is nearly an inch more than that on the right. The soft parts forming the left eye¬ brow are also elongated in the same direction, about half an inch; and the cerebral cavity appears to have been en¬ croached upon, by the upward pressure of the tumor. The tumor weighs fourteen ounces and three quarters. Its density is remarkable, the specific gravity being 1.80. Its greatest circumference measures rather more than eleven inches, and its least nine inches. The external sur¬ face (Plate I. Fig. 2) is irregularly nodulated; and an un¬ even concavity (Plate I. Fig. 3) exists at the posterior part. A section (Plate II. Fig. 2) presents a very hard polished surface resembling ivory; and exhibiting lines, to the num¬ ber of fifty, arranged in concentric curves, enlarging as they are traced from the posterior part. The formation and structure of the tumor is described in the following letter, addressed to me by Dr. Hodgkin. “ Dear friend—The form of the bony tumor, which thou “hast been kind enough to send for my inspection, is so “irregular as almost to defy description. As a good idea “ of it may be formed from the graphic representation which “ accompanies thy paper, it will be needless to attempt to “ give one in words, beyond that which may be required to “ render its structure intelligible. “ Notwithstanding the numerous inequalities and fissures “ which its surface presents, it has few salient asperities; the