A Case Of Spontaneous Regression Of An Untreated Bronchiogenic Carcinoma
Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 27: 1954; 415-419
View Original Source →Abstract
No explanation has been found for the regression of this lung cancer. The postoperative temperature elevations were not high and cannot be regarded as significant. Drugs used by the patient are not considered important and, as far as it is known, have no carcinolytic properties. This case represents the only known instance of spontaneous regression of a bronchiogenic carcinoma. Despite evidence of metastasis to the skull, the patient remains in good health more than five years after the original diagnosis of bronchiogenic carcinoma.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
A 59-year-old white man, smoker, history of liberal alcoholic intake, history of chronic bronchitis, exposure to noxious fumes due to occupation as a linotype operator
Clinical Characteristics
Chronic cough, malaise, increasing dyspnea, eighteen-pound weight loss, decreased breath sounds over both lung bases, opacity in the right lung field, leukocytosis, moderate anemia, carcinoma of the lung with involvement of the right hilum and invasion of the mediastinum, bone metastases
Remission Characteristics
Postoperative roentgenograms of the chest revealed progressive clearing of the pulmonary lesion in the right lung, particularly apparent about six months after the exploratory thoracotomy
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Right thoracotomy, biopsy of the mass, 300,000 units of penicillin daily for five days
Non-Clinical Treatment
Two halibut liver oil capsules daily, four vegetable compound tablets daily, an occasional barbiturate for sleep, and vitamin b1 tablets
Additional Notes
Despite evidence of metastasis to the skull, the patient remains in good health more than five years after the original diagnosis of bronchiogenic carcinoma