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of cases during the year are kept in observation beds at Harts
Sanatorium, and there serial X-ray investigations, prolonged
clinical observations, special examinations such as the injection of
lipiodol to show up the tracheo-bronchial tree by X-rays, etc.,
can be done. In this way the diagnosis of several cases of
Cancer of the lung and pulmonary suppuration, such as bronchiectasis,
etc., have definitely been confirmed.
Cancer of the Lung.
Examination for Cancer cells in sputum.
Reference has been made in previous reports of the increased
frequency of cancer of the lung. These cases are often closely
simulated by pulmonary tuberculosis, and the differential diagnosis
has frequently to be made among clinic patients either at
the Clinic or in the Diagnostic Unit of Harts Sanatorium.
The help of a bronchogram, the bronchoscope and the new
special technique of the demonstration of particles of malignant
growth in the sputum by means of the wet film method are all
utilised. The latter examination recently introduced by Professor
Dudgeon is now available for our patients, and has proved to be
of very real practical value. In some cases the presence of the
cancer cells in the sputum has obviated the necessity for more
complicated diagnostic procedures.
Prevention.
Better Housing.
Tuberculosis, it must be recognised, is to some extent a
family disease, and it has always been our aim, in the interests
of prevention, to try and get preferential treatment for families
with a tuberculous sufferer who are inadequately housed. The problem
is indeed a difficult one, and our efforts are by no means always
successful, and in some of the worst cases it is indeed difficult,
through insufficiency of income, to effect this. The assistance
frequently given by the Public Assistance Committee is gratefully
recognised.