Viii. Regression Of Metastatic Lesions: Report Of Two Cases

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of malignant tumors, both primary and metastatic, which are proved by tissue diagnosis, is rare. A patient with a history of familial polyposis of the colon underwent exploratory surgery for a large rectal mass. The mass proved to be poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma Grade IV and the patient had hepatic metastases as well. A proctosigmoidectomy and combined abdominoperineal resection with a colostomy was performed. Later, when a total colostomy was performed there was no evidence of hepatic metastases. This patient with hepatic metastases at time of a first surgery survived 10 years and, at a second surgery, there was no evidence of these hepatic metastases. Factors that may be responsible for the spontaneous regression of tumors are discussed. The authors believe that no theory current at the time of the paper offers an adequate explanation why, as in the above case, while one malignant tumor spontaneously regresses, another develops.