Perforation of the coats of the stomach is a frequent result of a cancerous growth, but its effects vary considerably under different conditions. If no adhesions have previously formed around the base of the disease, the contents of the viscus will find their way into the general cavity of the peritoneum and set up a diffuse suppurative inflammation. On the other hand, if adhesions are present, the inflammation may be strictly circumscribed, and a localised abscess will develop instead of general peritonitis. Lastly, should the base of the disease be adherent to some neighbouring organ, like the liver, pancreas, or colon, the result will be an infiltration and destruction of the tissues of the viscus secondarily affected, with perhaps the production of a gangrenous cavity in its substance or the establishment of a fistula.