Papillary Carcinoma Of The Ovary; Report Of A Case With Prolonged Dormancy And Spontaneous Regression Of Metastases
New England Journal of Medicine 264: Feb 23 1961; 398
View Original Source →Abstract
In a review of the cases of testicular tumours treated at the Christie Hospital between 1961 and 1974 there are six cases with spontaneous regression of metastases, which are now reported. In this period, 827 cases of testicular tumour have been treated, giving an incidence of spontaneous regression of 0.72%, which is considerably higher than previously reported. One of these cases appears to be pure seminoma; spontaneous regression of metastases from seminoma has not been reported previously.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
26 years old female, weight dropped from 53.5 kilograms (118 pounds) to 36.3 kilograms (80 pounds), later weighed 63.5 kilograms (140 pounds) and 68.9 kilograms (152 pounds)
Clinical Characteristics
Large papillary growths of both ovaries, extensive papillary peritoneal implants in the entire pelvic area and involving the omentum, encapsulated mass of tumor on the left measuring 10 by 10 centimeters and 2 encapsulated masses on the right measuring 8 by 8 centimeters and 6 by 6 centimeters, firm mass in the right broad ligament measuring 3 by 1.5 by 1.5 centimeters
Remission Characteristics
No peritoneal implants, no discoverable disease, no further ascites, no evidence of dissemination, pelvis and the whole abdomen were free from adhesions and bowel embarrassments
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Bilateral ovariectomy, exploratory laparotomy, abdominal paracentesis performed 63 times, removal of tumor masses, removal of appendix and uterus
Non-Clinical Treatment
Morphine for comfort
Additional Notes
patient was considered a hopeless case, recovery from surgery and addiction to morphine was slow, patient remained well 21 years after biopsy