The doubling time (DT) was estimated quantitatively for 16 carcinomas of the breast according to the method described by Collins and co-workers in 1956. This is based on the concept of constant and exponential growth. Observation interval for these mammographically confirmed tumors was between 83 and 1,034 days. The DT was calculated to vary from 45 to 260 days; in order to reach a diameter of 1 cm. after 30 divisions would require a period of 3.7 to 21.4 years. Mammography frequently demonstrates small, clinically occult, tumours. Axillary lymph node metastases are relatively rare from small tumours; growth rate of 70% of breast carcinomas in such that an annual clinical and radiological check-up will prove to be the best means of reducing mortality from carcinoma of the breast. The risk inherent in the radiation resulting from annual mammography is acceptable in women over 35 years. This leaves the problem of rapidly growing carcinomas which would escape early diagnosis by early examinations. Half-yearly examinations of women in high risk groups (1. Previous mastectomy for carcinoma, 2. Biopsy-proven mastopathy with atypical proliferation) comprising about 30% of carcinomas with a short doubling time would appear to be reasonable.

Two patients with congenital dysplasia of the lymphatic system and with chylous ascites are described. In one 24-year old woman with this rare condition, it was possible to demonstrate for the first time numerous mediastinal lymphatic cysts during lymphangiography. Both patients showed an abnormality of the retroperitoneal lymphatics, consisting of lymphatic dilatation and cysts. In the investigation of chylous ascites, direct lymphangiography must be regarded as a valuable and necessary investigation.

The apparatus for measuring mineral equivalents described by Gebhardt, Heinen and Zwicker in 1973 was subjected to theoretical and experimental investigations; as a result, changes were introduced which significantly improved the basis for exact absorption measurments on phalanges. 1.The CuK alpha radiation (8.5 kV) produced the Hohannson monochromator was replaced by higher energy AgK alpha radiation (22.2 kV). The total spectrum was improved by using a palladium filter and an impulse height discriminator. 2. A slit collimator was used giving a beam area of 3 mm X 0.5 mm with improved paralleism ofthe beam and an incident angle alpha of 0.1 degrees compared with a previous angle of alpha approximately 1 degrees. 3. Correction of attenuation N = No. e-ux by a correction factor B to allow for "build-up factor" in the required area of measurement is no longer necessary. Measurements at four of hydroxyle apatite (Reiss) provide the required mineral absorption. 4.AgK alpha radiation permits measurement of thicker bones such as radius and calcaneus and provides adequate impulses for short periods of measurement which is useful in practice.

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Fourteen cavograms showing abnormal findings were selected from a total of 500 examinations; in these the diagnosis had been confirmed surgically, histologically, at autopsy or by the clinical course. The aim of selecting this material was to determine retrospectively the accuracy to cavography in localising retroperitoneal masses, to determine their extent, whether it is possible to diagnose the type of tumour and whether the presence of thrombi can be regarded as a sign of invasion of the cava by malignant tumour. The abnormal cavograms were evaluated with respect to certain radiological signs and the diagnostic value of individual signs was calculated statistically. It was found that the only fairly reliable sign of tumour thrombus consists of an ill-defined impression with breaks in the continuity of the vascular margin. All other radiological signs examined were found to be non-specific.