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It is well known that tuberculosis officers do not see many of
the new cases in the early stages of the disease. This, as Sir
George Newman remarks, "is not invariably due to neglect by
medical practitioners under the regulations. Far too frequently
there has been delay on the part of the patient in obtaining medical
advice, or delay on the part of the practitioner in seeking the
assistance of the tuberculosis officer in regard to patients suffering
from chest trouble which may have a tuberculous basis."
The initiative to seek treatment when ill rests with the patient
himself, and the remedy lies in the education of the public as to
symptoms and common dangers of tuberculosis and the need for
securing early treatment. In 1930 there was a small increase in
the number of early cases and a corresponding decrease in the
advanced cases. It is unfortunate that even still 57.7% of the
new cases were advanced in the disease.
B. Non-Pulmonary Tuberculosis.
There were 37 cases examined at the Dispensary and found to
have non-pulmonary tuberculosis in the following forms:—
Bones and Joints 12
Abdominal 6
Other Organs 4
Peripheral Glands 15
37
X-ray Work.
A greater number of doubtful and difficult cases were sent for
radiological examination than in previous years, and by this means
cases of Bronchiectasis, Pulmonary tumour, etc., were discovered
which otherwise would have been classed as suffering from pulmonary
tuberculosis. A few such cases are sufficient to warrant
the additional expenditure; also some cases were detected in a
very early stage who otherwise would not have been diagnosed until
a later date. Their chance of complete recovery was thus enhanced.
Use was made of this method of examination to confirm
or otherwise the clinical findings of cases considered to be cured.
X-rays are a valuable help, but cannot take the place of thorough
and expert physical examination.
188 X-ray examinations were made during the year. This is
equivalent to 19 for every 100 new cases and contacts seen, and
compares with a rate of 13 per 100 new cases and contacts seen in
1929.