Page:Tropical Diseases.djvu/669

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XXXVI]
NODULAR LEPROSY
623

the pathological anatomy of leprosy, is formed by infiltration of the deeper layers of the derma with what at first is a small-celled, somewhat dense neoplasm. As this slowly or more rapidly increases it forms a prominent, rounded boss or protuberance covered with unbroken epidermis. In size it ranges from the dimensions of a split pea, or of a bean, to a great plaque many inches across. In colour it differs according to its age and condition, and according to the natural hue of the skin of the leper; it varies from red to dirty pink in the earlier and congestive active stage, to dark brown or dirty yellow in the later stages. It is generally— though not always, especially at first— anæsthetic to some degree, if not absolutely so; it is devoid of hair, usually somewhat greasy-looking and, perhaps, stippled with gaping sebaceous follicles. Though not so hard as cheloid growth, it is fairly firm to the touch, and, unless very extensive, can be readily raised up and freely moved over subjacent structures. Isolated leproinata are usually round or oval; when contiguous they may coalesce, forming patches of irregular outline.

When many lepromata run together, or are closely set, the growth causes the natural folds of the skin to be exaggerated; great disfigurement, especially of the face, may ensue. Thus the skin of the fore head and eyebrows— an early and favourite site of leprous infiltration— is thrown into massive folds and overhangs the eyes; the fleshy parts of the nose broaden out; the cheeks become massive; the lips are thickened and protrude; the chin is swollen and heavy; the external ears are thick and pendulous; and the bloated, dusky, wrinkled, greasy, passive countenance acquires the repulsive appearance very appropriately designated " leontiasis."

Nodules may appear in greater or less profusion on the limbs and body; favourite sites being the backs of the hands, the external surfaces of the arms, wrists, thighs, and the groins. On the trunk they may occupy very large areas, forming extensive plaques. As a rule, in the latter situation they are not so prominent as on the face and arms. The same remark