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Spontaneous Regression Of Hepatic Metastases From A Carcinoma Of The Colon; Ten-year Follow-up Of A Patient With Familial Polyposis

Rankin et al., 1965Colorectal cancer

Annals of Surgery 162(1): July 1965; 156-159

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Abstract

Two cases of spontaneous regression of polyps of the colon in children are described. Such regression has not previously been established roentgenologically. It suggests that surgical intervention may be unnecessary.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

44-year-old white man, family history of bowel cancer

Clinical Characteristics

Diarrhea, urgency, tenesmus, weight loss, weakness, pulmonary osteodystrophy, no lymph nodes palpable, no thyroid gland enlargement, normal heart size, soft abdomen, no enlarged organs or palpable masses, minimal localized tenderness in both lower quadrants, active bowel sounds, numerous small soft masses in rectum

Remission Characteristics

No evidence of hepatic metastases at second surgery, 10 years after first surgery

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Proctosigmoidectomy and combined abdominoperineal resection with a colostomy, total colostomy

Additional Notes

Patient survived 10 years after first surgery with hepatic metastases. At second surgery, no evidence of these hepatic metastases. Patient had familial polyposis of the colon and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma Grade IV.