Spontaneous Regression of Reticulum-Cell Sarcoma of Bone; A Case Report

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to present a case of primary reticulum-cell sarcoma of bone, proved by biopsy, which is unique in several respects. The patient, a five-year-old boy, is younger than any found reported in the literature. The youngest patient previously reported was an eight-year-old child in the series of Valls, Muscolo, and Schajowicz. This is also the only reported case of reticulum-cell sarcoma, with or without metastasis, which regressed spontaneously. Of reported cases, similar in location and histological appearance, which have regressed, particularly Case 5 of Magnus and Wood’s series, Case 7 of Sherman and Snyder’s report, and the case of sarcoma reported by Christian and Palmer, all had some form of therapy before regression.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A five-year-old caucasian boy

Clinical Characteristics

Complaining of pain and swelling of the outer aspect of the right leg, firm swelling about the distal third of the fibula with some overlying skin warmth, destructive lesion originating just proximal to the distal epiphysis of the fibula and extending upward for four and one-half inches with patchy destruction of cortex and medullary canal and a conman’s triangle along the medial cortex

Remission Characteristics

The patient has been followed at yearly intervals with physical examinations and roentgenograms of the right leg and chest. He was last seen in february 1958, six years postoperatively, at which time a complete skeletal survey was performed in addition to physical examination. His health has remained good and he has remained free of recurrence of the original reticulum-cell sarcoma of the distal portion of the right fibula, clinically and roentgenographically

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

A biopsy was done which consisted of resection of the distal half of the diaphysis of the right fibula

Additional Notes

This is also the only reported case of reticulum-cell sarcoma, with or without metastasis, which regressed spontaneously. Of reported cases, similar in location and histological appearance, which have regressed, particularly Case 5 of Magnus and Wood’s series, Case 7 of Sherman and Snyder’s report, and the case of sarcoma reported by Christian and Palmer, all had some form of therapy before regression.