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Spontaneous Regression Of Epidermoid Carcinoma Of The Bronchus

Depierre et al., 1984Lung cancer

Revue des Maladies Respiratoires 1(2): 1984; 113-117

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Abstract

This is the first case report of a patient with oat cell carcinoma of the lung with scalene node metastasis who, without treatment, is alive 19 years after the original diagnosis was made by biopsy. Seven years before the publication of this report, and at the age of 66 years, he underwent coronary bypass surgery and there was no gross evidence of malignancy present.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

57-year-old patient suffering from chronic air flow obstruction, heavy tobacco and liquor usage, professional injuries (thoracic in 1966 with fracture of ribs, and a severe wound to the flexor tendons of the left hand in 1970)

Clinical Characteristics

Chronic respiratory insufficiency due to obstructive bronchitis, acute hyperventilation accompanied by purulent expectoration, nonspecific inflammatory syndrome, abnormalities of the liver variables

Remission Characteristics

An examination performed four years later failed to reveal this tumour

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Immunological studies showed only a notable rise in NK cells

Non-Clinical Treatment

The patient refused all specific therapeutic treatment

Additional Notes

The patient was a butcher by profession, had twice required artificial ventilation, had two visits to the emergency medical clinic for artificial resuscitation from delirium due to over-intoxication in 1970 and 1973