Regression of Liver Cell Adenoma:; A Follow-Up Study of Three Consecutive Patients After Discontinuation of Oral Contraceptive Use

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of carcinoma of the pancreas, proved histologically, is extremely rare. Such a case in a white male, only twenty-one years of age at the time of onset, fully recovered twelve years later, is reported. The possible immunologic factors affecting such remissions are reviewed and discussed.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

32-year-old woman, history of oral contraceptive use (norgestrel 0.25 milligrams, ethinyl estradiol 0.05 milligrams) for 6 years

Clinical Characteristics

Recurrent episodes of colicky pain in the right upper portion of the abdomen radiating to the back and to the right shoulder, enlarged and tender liver 5 centimeters below the right costal margin with a smooth surface on palpation, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 60 mm/hour, alkaline phosphatase of 130 iu/l, normal sgot and sgpt but had been elevated previously during an episode of abdominal pain, negative tests for hbsag, anti-hbs, anti-hbc, and alphafetoprotein

Remission Characteristics

Discontinuation of contraceptives led to symptom relief within a few weeks, normal physical examination of the liver in june 1978 and september 1979, normal liver enzymes, no evidence of residual tumor in technetium scan and ultrasonography of the liver in september 1979

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Laparotomy, multiple biopsy specimens taken

Non-Clinical Treatment

Discontinuation of oral contraceptives

Additional Notes

Patient underwent a therapeutic abortion in June 1978