74
THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE.
VI. Colloid Degeneration.
Fig. 7.
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The substance formed in colloid dejjeneration is of a jelly- or g-lue-like consistence, glistening-, transparent, and devoid of colour. It is derived from the albuminoid tissues, and dif- fers from mucin in that it has sulphur entering- into its composition, and is not precipitated by acetic acid. This degeneration also involves the contents of the cells themselves, and not the inter- cellular substance.
Ultimately the colloid substance may form con- siderable masses from coalescence, which often appear to be contained in cystic cavities. Nev/ growths sometimes start as colloid ttmioiirs, and other tumours are liable to the change. For- merly all colloid tumours were looked upon as being of a cancerous nature, but it is now re- cognized that non-malignant tumours may also become the seat of this degeneration. Enlarged thyroid glands and lymphatic glands occasionally contain colloid material.
Cells undergoing col- loid degeneration. From a colloid can- cer. {Rtiid/ieish.)
VII. Lardaceous Disease. — Albuminoid Infiltration or Dege- neration. — Amyloid Degeneration. — Wa-y Disease.
By these names among others a very important morbid condition has of late years been recognized. There is still much uncertainty with reference to several points connected with this subject, but the following account conveys tolei ably complete information as to the present state of knowledge.
Etiology. — Albuminoid infiltration is almost invariably a conse- quence of some previous disease, which in the great majority of cases is attended with long-continued and excessive suppuration, but the experience of many observers has proved that this is certainly not absolutely necessary, and in the worst case which ever came under my notice there had been no suppuration. The chief individual diseases with which this morbid condition is associated are : — a. Caries or necrosis of bones, and rickets, h. Syphilis, especially if it has caused disease of bones with considerable suppuration, or if much mercury has been given. Children who are congenitally syphilitic may be the subjects of albuminoid disease, c. Chronic pulmonary phthisis, or other lung-affections attended with much purulent expectoration, d. Chronic empyaema, especially fistulous. e. Extensive ulceration of the intestines, f. Pyelitis and some other kidney-affections.
Albuminoid disease has also been attributed to prolonged ague or exposure to malarial influence.
Anatomical Characters. — i. Characters of the albuminoid ma- terial, and objective changes in the affected tissues.— The material,
