Spontaneous And Complete Regression Of Extensive Pulmonary Metastases In A Case Of Chorionepithelioma
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 61: 1951; 701-704
View Original Source →Abstract
Five cases are reported in which the patients are alive after periods of sixteen, eight, three, two and one year. In summary, the author discusses some basic principles of the malignant nature of cancer in general: The most malignant characteristics of cancer are its insistence on growth, its absorbable poison which produces cachexia, and its tendency to metastasize. Beyond these three mysterious characteristics it has only mechanical terrors.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
43-year-old, white housewife, para vi, gravida vii
Clinical Characteristics
Vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, weakness, fainting spells, nausea, anorexia, loss of weight, fever of 102°f, pulse 120, respirations 22, blood pressure 96/54, pale, poorly nourished, emaciated, enlarged heart, scaphoid abdomen, firm, non tender, movable mass in the pelvis, enlarged uterus, firm mass in the uterus, hemoglobin of 5 grams, white blood cell count of 6,500
Remission Characteristics
Complete disappearance of the extensive pulmonary metastases, negative aschheim-zondek biological test, no palpable pathologic conditions in the pelvis
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Multiple blood transfusions, dilatation and curettage, total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and incidental appendectomy
Additional Notes
The patient was first seen in the University of Michigan Hospital Gynecology Department on July 19, 1949. The patient had no history of pulmonary symptoms such as hemoptysis, cough, or chest pain. The patient had no previous serious illnesses or operations. The patient was discharged with a hemoglobin level of 11 grams. The patient was next seen for a check-up examination on September 16, 1949. The patient returned again for check-up examination on December 16, 1949. At the time of subsequent check-up examinations, April 4, 1950, June 13, 1950, and October 10, 1950, the patient was again in excellent health.