Abstract
SIR,-We are indebted to Mr. H. S. Souttar (Journal, May 1, P. 909) for calling attention to this method. It is attractive and relatively simple to carry out, but I am afraid I cannot share his optimism as to the results to be expected. This method has been in use in the Radium Clinic of the General Hospital for the last five years, and frequently referred to in the annual reports to the Radium Research Council. There are two aspects which are unsatisfactory. In the first place, we have not been able to cure a single case by this method. The immediate results are gratifying and hopeful; the growth recedes, becomes less vascular, and swallowing is improved, but subsequent doses of radium are ineffective and the end-result is death. We have, therefore, reluctantly come to the conclusion that neoplasm of the pharynx is relatively radio-insensitive. In the second place, and of minor importance, is the fact that the scars heal badly. The wound has to be reopened and resutured at the end of a week, and this is not conducive to good scar formation. The presence of radium or radon deep in the wound has a retarding influence on healing. I believe that the only real hope of cure at the present time is by following, where it is possible, the drastic surgical technique so brilliantly designed and carried out by Wilfred Trotter.-I am, etc.,
Published Version
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