Fibromata  are  tumors  consisting  of  ordinary  connective  tissue  and
may  occur  on  the  skin,  mouth,  nasal  cavity,  nasopharynx,  larynx,
tonsils,  middle  and  internal  ear  (Fig.  51).
They  sometimes  undergo  degeneration,  breaking  down  with  the
formation  of  an  ulcer.
Their  blood  supply  varies:  in  cases  observed  by  the  author  there
was  little  hemorrhage  upon  their  removal.
BACTERIOLOGY   AND    PATHOLOGY.  99

Tumors  of  this  character  have  a  broad  base  or  may  be  somewhat
pedunculated.  As  to  their  density,  they  may  be  soft  or  hard.
Myxomata  or  mucoid  tumors  are  composed  of  mucous  tissue,  soft
and  jelly-like,  containing  mucin,  springing  from  connective  or
mucous  tissue.
If  an  increase  of  fibrous  tissue  occurs  in  the  submucous  structures,
the  tumors  become  more  firm  in  consistency  and  are  designated  myx-
oma  fibrositm.  A  familiar  example  of  myxomata  is  a  fibrous  polypi
of  the  nose.
Location  of  such  tumors  is  usually  in  the  superior  or  middle
meatus  of  the  nose.  Suppuration  of  the  accessory  sinuses  is  classed
as  an  exciting  cause  of  myxomatous  tumor.  There  is  still  a  doubt
in  regard  to  the  transposition  of  a  myxomata  into  a  malignant  growth,
though  myxomata  may  be  combined  with  either  a  sarcoma  or  a
carcinoma.
Myxomata  may  be  single  or  multiple,   sessile  or  pedunculated

(Fig-  52).
Under  the  microscope  the  tumors  appear  as  myxomatous  substance
in  a  reticule  of  connective  tissue  with  broken-down  epithelium  and
other  debris.  Tumors  of  the  myxomatous  type  may  be  found  in  the
nose,  accessory  sinuses,  larynx  and  external  and  middle  ear.
In  the  middle  ear  the  formation  of  these  tumors  is  preceded  by  an
acute  or  chronic  purulent  inflammation  of  the  middle  ear,  with  de-
struction of  the  drum.
