A Case Of Recurrent Sarcoma With Apparently Spontaneous Cure And Gradual Shrinking Of The Tumor

Abstract

The case of sontaneous cure of a recurrent sarcoma of the back is of interest because nothing similar has been reported. The author speculates upon the importance of the elevated postoperative fever on the spontaneous cure reported in this case. He states, “As I have already stated, there was nothing of the nature of an attack of erysipelas in this case; but although locally no inflammatory phenomena manifested themselves the details of the temperature chart are suggestive. For the first six days after admission the temperature records showed a subnormal and normal range with a minimum of 96.8°F. and a maximum of 98.6°F., being quite unaffected by the operation on November 23rd, 1900; then during the following week a slight upward tendency was noted, a maximum of 99.8°F. being registered on December 3rd, and after the second time to the theatre (on the 4th) the temperature shot up to 101°F., remaining febrile and subfebrile, with daily remission for five days, the highest point reached being 102°F. on the 8th. From the 10th to dismissal on the 13th it was practically normal. Whether this postoperative fever was an important factor in deterring the subsequent resolution of the tumour I cannot pretend to say, but certainly the progress was continuous and most satisfactory.” (Note: See complete text of case report on pages 126-127.)