Spontaneous Disappearance Of Bilateral Pulmonary Metastases; Report Of A Case Of Adenocarcinoma Of Kidney After Nephrectomy
Journal of the American Medical Association 169(15): April 11 1959; 121-123(1737-1739)
View Original Source →Abstract
Regression or disappearance of carcinoma has occasionally been reported. Everson and Cole (1956) analyzed a series of 600 cases, of which in their opinion 47 had been absolutely proved. Of these only 2 were renal carcinoma. Recently Hallahan (1959) has reported a remarkably similar case, in which pulmonary metastases from a renal carcinoma regressed spontaneously following nephrectomy. In the case here reported the histological proof is not complete, but in our opinion it is otherwise firmly established.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
65-year-old man, general weakness, loss of 20 pounds (9.1 kilograms) of weight in the four weeks before admission
Clinical Characteristics
Pulmonary lesions suggesting metastases of a tumor, evidence of a malignant tumor of the left kidney, leukocyte count of 19,920/mm3 with a normal differential count, and 12 erythrocytes per high power field in the urine sediment
Remission Characteristics
Pulmonary lesions increased in size and number for three months postoperatively, then showed striking regression and complete clearing of both lung fields four months after operation
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Nephrectomy
Additional Notes
The patient was treated in this hospital in 1952 for a left-sided hemiparesis due to cerebral thrombosis, with complete recovery after six months of treatment. No other disease until the present admission. The patient was discharged and was followed up on an outpatient basis. The last roentgenogram of the chest, made seven months after operation, showed both lung fields to remain clear.