Peter Parker Collection

Artist: Lam Qua (1801-1860)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Case Summary from Peter Parker's Journal.

"Tumor of the skin"

May 5, 1838. "Wang Waekee, of Kaouyaou, age 45, a man of doubtfull character, had numerous tumors of the skin of a light flesh color, and smooth shining surface, situated above the arms, breast, neck and head. In the later position one had attained great size, hanging pendulous from his left ear, to which it was attached by a peduncle of 2 inches' diameter to an almost immovable base formed by a similar disease of the skin, an inch thick, extending over the mastoid process and upward and backward over 5 or 6 squeare inches. Considering the age of the man, it seemed inexpedient to remove the firm base, but it was very easy to excise the unsightly jewel that hung dangling on his breast, impeeding his labor. It was more like cutting green hide, than flesh. The tumor weighed 4 pounds."