Transmission of the Bunchy Top Disease of Papaya (Carica papayaL.) by the Leaf HopperEmpoasca papayaeOman

Abstract

Five ml. of 20% Na fluorescein was injd. in- traven. into patients subjected to laparotomy for gastric carcinoma. The dye was at first injd. after the viscera were exposed, next at various times prior to the operation, and then inspection was made with an ultraviolet lamp emitting rays at 3,600[degree]. When the interval between injn. and examination was 3-8 hrs., a difference between normal and malignant tissues was observable. Carcinomatous implants of tumor tissue on the peritoneal surfaces fluoresced with a vivid yellow color. When the tumor tissue was more than a few mm. below the surface, no fluorescence occurred. Forty-six neoplasms have been examined and a histologic diagnosis of a malignant neoplasm was made in each case. The observation of fluorescence in the tumor was correlated with the final diagnosis confirmed by microscopic examination of the tumor. There were 9 failures which occurred in the attempt to fluoresce large, bulky abdominal tumors. Carcinomata of the colon, stomach and breast were less apt to fluoresce. Necrotic tissue will not fluoresce. The most consistent results were obtained in 12 cases with suspected intracranial neoplasm. The test was of particular value in subcortical lesions. Tumor tissue from suspicious regions by aspiration needle biopsies was easily identified by the exaggerated fluorescence under u.-v. light. In further studies using iodine substitution-products of fluorescein, increased visualization of certain mouse tumors by roentgen rays was seen.