The Radium Treatment of Primary Malignant Disease of the Sclero-Corneal Junction

Francis, William John Lawrence (1937) The Radium Treatment of Primary Malignant Disease of the Sclero-Corneal Junction. Ch.M thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

In this paper, a short account is given of the physical properties of radium and their application to therapy. The apparatus used in treatment is described and the biological results of radiation discussed, the effects on the eye being fully considered. A summary is given of the anatomy, pathology, diagnosis and treatment of primary malignant tumours of the limbus. The literature, on radium therapy in malignant disease of the cornea and conjunctiva, is fully analysed. The treatment at the Radium Institute, London, of limbal malignant new-growths, is described in detail. The results of treatment are fully discussed, and illustrative cases are reported. From this investigation, the following conclusions may be drawn: 1. Radium should be employed in the treatment of primary malignant new-growths, in cases where the area of the tumour does not exceed 1 sq. cm. and where the limbus is infiltrated by growth to an extent not greater than one-half of the circumference. 2. The rapidity of growth and the histological character of the malignant limbal tumour do not alter the prognosis in radium treatment. 3. The age and sex of the patient do not affect the treatment, provided that the patient is able to co-operate intelligently, by lying at rest during one hour of radium application. 4. The methods advised are: (a) surface application. (b) interstitial application. The technique at the Radium Institute, London, is the use of plates containing 5 mg. Ra. el. per sq. cm. active area, unscreened, applied in contact for one hour. This application is repeated twice at intervals of two months. The interstitial insertion of a radon seed, 0.6 cm. active length, screened by Platinum 0.3 mm., containing 3 to 10 mc., for a period of 48 hours (3 mc.) to 6 hours (10 mc.), is employed in cases unsuitable for surface application of radium. 5. Radium will cure permanently at least 90% of the cases treated. Radium is a therapeutic weapon which should be used in every suitable case of primary malignant disease of the sclero-corneal junction.

Item Type: Thesis (Ch.M)
Qualification Level: Masters
Keywords: Medicine, Surgery, Nuclear physics and radiation
Date of Award: 1937
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1937-80089
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2020 09:20
Last Modified: 03 Mar 2020 09:20
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/80089

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