The Coconino sun., 1902-07-05
x-RAYS FOR CANCER.
Experiments In Leading Cities Dn. courage the Belief That the Ray Treatment May Become
 Generally EmcaeaOus.

The beneficial effect of X ray treat ment upon cancer has been reported several times within the last few weeks. The most recent instance is that of an Atlanta (Ga.) man, E. A. Heard. The case was described re- gently to the local society of medicine by Dr. NJ. B. Hutchins. Epithelioma, or skin cancer, developed on the pa tient's lower lip eight years ago, slow ly spread, and finally attacked the jawbone. Roentgen rays were tried several times last spring, and within a month the trouble was apparently overcome. Since that time there has been no relapse, reports the New York Tribune. Not long ago Chicago phy- sician declared that he had cured 50 cases by the same means, but inas- much as no details were supplied that sweeping announcement is not so con- vincing as the Atlanta story, although it is probably not without some foun- dation.
 The principal use to which X rays have been put since their discovery five or six years ago is the exploration of the body, to detect fractures, dis locations, the presence of foreign bodies (more especially bullets) and the effects of disease upon soft tis- sues. But numerous attempts have also been made to accomplish cures herewith. Pulmonary consumption was one of the first disorders experi- mented with. but no encouragement was secured. Internal cancer was treated with X rays in Paris as long ago as 1896. Here. again, the conse- quences were disappointing. perhaps because the trouble had reached too advanced a stage. The progress of the disease was not stayed, nor death averted, although temporary diminu- tion of pain was noted. The most sat isfactory results appear to have been reached in dealing with eczema, lupus and other skin diseases. Two years or more ago Finsen told the world about his successful fighting these dis orders with an arc light. And within a few months it was found that X rays were almost equally efficacious. In the meantime fresh experiments were tried with cancer. Boston, Philadel- phia and other American cities re- ported them. Dr. Francis H. Williams, of Boston. author of rcent work on Roentgen rays, mentions several cases that came within his own knowledge, and that indicated improvement or complete cure where treatment began early enough.
 While it thus appears that this par ticular use of X rays is not new. it is apparent that the idea has attracted increased attention within a year or two. Unfortunately, neither the med ical profession nor the general public yet knows how many times this agent has been tried on cancer without ef- feet. The proportion of successes to failures might be one to three, or 1t might be one to a thousand. Hence it is impossible just now to form any definite idea of the value of this sys- tenn of treatment. Under these cir cumstances it is wise to guard against cherishing extravagant expectations. Nevertheless. the few we'll attested in- stances will unques.ionably stimulate further experiments and inspire the hope that more effective and less painful means than surgery has been found for fighting one of the worst ills to which flesh is heir.