The Apparent Disappearance of Pulmonary Metastasis in a Case of Hypernephroma Following Nephrectomy

Abstract

A case of spontaneous disappearance of pulmonary metastases over a period of eight months following nephrectomy for a hypernephroma is reported. The patient has had no recurrent pulmonary metastases in three years.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

A man, aged fifty-nine

Clinical Characteristics

Chronic cough with occasional bloody sputum, three attacks of transitory hemiplegia followed by dragging of the left foot

Remission Characteristics

All evidence of the former metastatic nodules had disappeared. In april 1928, more than four years after the removal of the primary growth, the lungs were still clear and there were no other signs of metastasis. At a recent examination more than five years after the operation, he appeared in excellent health

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Nephrectomy

Non-Clinical Treatment

Patient was advised to forget his condition and go home and carry on

Additional Notes

At the time of nephrectomy the pathologists reported: Hypernephroma 7 by 6 centimeters, with destruction of half of the kidney, the tumor filling the pelvis and extending into the pedicle and a metastatic tumor 2.5 centimeters in the perirenal fat. A roentgenogram of the chest disclosed multiple metastatic areas in both lungs.