Spontaneous Complete Regression Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Storey, R. E., Huerighta, A. L., Khan, A., & Laber, D. A. (2011). spontaneous complete regression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Medical oncology (Norighthwood, London, England), 28(4), 948–950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-010-9562-8
View Original Source →Abstract
In medical terminology, spontaneous regression of cancer refers to exceptional and unexplained partial or complete disappearance of cancer without medical intervention. This phenomenon has been described in various malignancies with no well established causative factors, except perhaps immune mediated. Here we present a rare case of hepatocellular carcinoma with possible metastasis to the lung by computed tomography with complete regression of both the primary tumor and the pulmonary nodules without medical intervention. Our patient may represent the first case of complete regression of the HCC with possible lung metastasis by computed tomography caused by abstinence from alcohol. This phenomenon was confirmed by surgical resection and pathologic evaluation.
Case Details
Disease Location
Liver + lung mets
Personal Characteristics
52-year-old man, alcohol abuse
Clinical Characteristics
Presented to the emergency room with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Pe revealed mild right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness, with no evidence of hepatosplenomegaly, palpable masses, rebound pain or guarding. Laboratory tests showed elevated AFP. Chest CT and abdomen showed an ill-defined heterogeneous lesion, measuring 8 cm in segments 5 and 6 of the liver, along with multiple bilateral lung nodules which may represent metastatic disease. Nodule's biopsy was not conclusive for metastatic disease liver biopsy confirmed hcc. Exploratory laparotomy performed 15 months following his initial diagnosis of metastatic hcc revealed a 2 cm nodule in segment 6 of the liver that was resected.
Remission Characteristics
Follow up CT scans 6 months later, revealed a decreased in size of the liver lesion to 3.5 cm, and almost complete resolution of the bilateral lung nodules with normal AFP. A CT scan of the chest and abdomen performed 9 months after the initial diagnosis, showed further regression in the size of the hepatic lesion, measuring 2.7 cm in diameter, and no new lung nodules. Pathology evaluation after surgery showed a 1.8 cm nodule with necrosis surrounded by fibrosis.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Immune system
Clinical Treatment
Resection