Regression of Cancer Following Surgery | Spontaneous Remission Database

Abstract

Postsurgical tumor regressions are rare but well-recognized entities. The causes of such phenomena are unknown but probably are multiple. The possible relationship between postoperative infection and regression is discussed and a case history is reported. Of 108 patients with spontaneous tumor regressions following surgery, 14 had significant infectious surgical complications, including frank sepsis and abscess formation, wound drainage and fistula formation, and persistent fever.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

38-year-old caucasian housewife

Clinical Characteristics

1 x 1 centimeter black mole on the right calf, mole enlarged and started bleeding, enlarging mass in the right leg, cutaneous nodules in the right thigh, pea-sized pigmented liver nodules

Remission Characteristics

Regression of the tumor nodules in the right thigh, all signs of cutaneous melanoma completely disappeared, no evidence of disease for the next 4 years, remained free of evidence of recurrent melanoma 16 years after excision of the primary lesion and 12 years after spontaneous tumor regression

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Postoperative infection

Clinical Treatment

Wide local excision and skin graft, right radical groin dissection, exploratory staging laparotomy, cervical conization, abdominal hysterectomy

Additional Notes

This patient appears to be the same patient described by Buckley et al. in this chapter. However, Buckley’s report indicates that this patient received the chemotherapeutic agent, thio-TEPA, and this report indicates that she did not. There is also a difference in the reported age of the patient.