A Case Of Carcinoma Of The Breast, Vs Erysipelas And Arsenic
North American Journal of Homeopathy 3: 1888; 700-702
View Original Source →Abstract
A case of regression of breast carcinoma is reported. Some of the interesting points about this case are the unusual age of the patient when the growth was first noticed: 83; the relief of pain and other subjective symptoms by the selected remedies, conium, belladonna, and lachesis; the rapid disappearance of all signs of a malignant growth (except the cicatrix) and the attendant cachexia, on the supervention of an erysipelas infection; the marked amelioration of the symptoms of the erysipelas from the arsenicum; the rapid repair of a fractured arm, occurring so late in life and so soon after the disappearance of the neoplasm. The author states that he is “not quite satisfied that the erysipelas alone cured the cancer; the arsenicum may have had something to do with the result. [That the disease was a carcinoma] I have not the least doubt, although I must admit that no microscopic examination of the tissues had been made at any time; but the history of the growth and the macroscopic appearances were so marked in favor of carcinoma that I deemed the microscopic test unnecessary; and with my diagnosis two experts agreed.”
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
Patient is a widow, age 83, WHO had reared a family and had been very active. She had scarcely ever employed a physician.
Clinical Characteristics
A lump in the left breast, pain at infrequent intervals, vertigo experienced most after first lying down, and when rising from a sitting position, or when turning the head suddenly. The tumor was adherent to the skin, there was slight dimpling, and fixation of the nipple. The patient also suffered from intense pains, shooting and lancinating in character, going and coming quite unexpectedly, and robbing her of rest and sleep. Ulceration of the skin had taken place, and the fissure had gradually widened and deepened.
Remission Characteristics
Rapid disappearance of all signs of a malignant growth (except the cicatrix) and the attendant cachexia, on the supervention of an erysipelas infection.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
The author states that he is “not quite satisfied that the erysipelas alone cured the cancer; the arsenicum may have had something to do with the result.
Clinical Treatment
Conium, 1x, a drop mixed in twelve teaspoonfuls of water, and given in two-teaspoonful doses every three hours for one week. Belladonna i, in drop doses, on sugar of milk, was then administered. A few doses of lachesis, 30 were given on october 15th. Arsenicum 3x, trit., of which she received one grain every two hours.
Non-Clinical Treatment
Systematic and careful feeding. Earth dressings to absorb the thin, ichorous and offensive discharge from the ulcer.
Additional Notes
The patient also suffered a fracture of the left humerus, induced by a fall while getting out of bed on the morning of April 5th, 1888, repair, under surgical treatment, was rapid, and on April 29th it was possible to remove all dressings and to begin motion at the shoulder and elbow joints.