Observations on the Local Diseases Termed Malignant

Abstract

CHRONIC local diseases may be divided into tractable and intractable; this is the simplest divi- sion, but somewhat too general without further explanation.A disease, curable in its nature, may be so intractable from its situation, or extent, or some local peculiarity, as to be extremely difficult, or even not to admit, of cure.Of such kind are many ulcers which have existed in variable states of progress for twenty years or upwards, which either have been healed, or have seemed to be approaching a cure, and have unexpectedly re- turned or relapsed.Tumours also so situated, or of such size as to render operation hazardous or im.practicable, sometimes continue to inconvenience and disfigure the subject of them through life.