SARCOMA OF THE KIDNEY TREATED BY THE ROENTGEN RAY

Abstract

It is generally accepted as axiomatic that the only hope in cases of sarcoma of the kidney in childhood lies in early nephrectomy. Even under this procedure the mortality is very high on account of the likelihood of metastases, although the operation itself may be well borne. The following case is reported because the growth was so large that no surgeon was willing to undertake its removal. For this reason recourse was had to treatment by the Roentgen ray. For a time there was marked improvement. The tumor became much smaller in size, and the child gained in weight and strength. After a time, however, the tumor began to increase in size again. Later, the child contracted measles, with complicating bronchopneumonia. At necropsy the actual results of the Roentgen ray treatment on the tumor mass could be studied. The report herewith submitted is presented because of the opportunity offered to