Tumor creation device

"Ah. Well, long story short, it creates explosive tumours."

- Doctor Rodney McKay giving a brief description of the device.

The Tumour creation machine was an insidious weapon created by the Lantean's during their tenure in the Pegasus galaxy.

Overview
The machine, when activated, emitted a very odd type of radiation which affected organic bodies within its reach. The body was infiltrated by millions of irradiated particles that were genetically programmed to enter a body's systems and gather behind the lungs. In time, they begin to collect trace elements from the body to create an explosive compound and develops as a tumour. Once created, the tumour reaches critical mass and explodes thus killing the person infected as well as damaging the surroundings.

Preliminary studies on those infected by the radiation can show no changes in health but the science involved was quite complicated in the development of the explosive tumours. It was possible to surgically remove the tumours from the body but they were incredibly delicate and were capable of exploding at any time.

History
It was created at some point during the Ancient-Wraith war as one of a number of possible weapons for use against the Wraith. However, it was abandoned early on as it's effects were indiscriminate; affecting Ancient and Humans as well. It was left within one of the laboratories at Atlantis.

The weapon was rediscovered by the Atlantis Expedition by Doctor Hewston and Watson though they were unaware of its purpose. After being affected by the devices radiation, they returned to duties at which point Doctor Hewston exploded once the tumour developed. Watson was also affected but his remained stable temporarily allowing Doctor Carson Beckett time to remove it. During his attempt at delivering it to the explosive team, it detonated thus killing Beckett.