Spontaneous Regression Of Pulmonary Metastases Arising From A Testicular Tumor

Abstract

A case of spontaneous regression of an untreated metastatic embryonal cell carcinoma with a 22-year follow-up is reported. The patient, a 36-year-old white man presented to his physician in July 1964 with a 2-week history of swelling and pain in the left testicle. In August he underwent a left radical orchiectomy. The pathological diagnosis was embryonal carcinoma with both capsular and vascular invasion. The lymphangiogram showed abnormal nodes with obstruction in the lymphatic vessels of the left side at L3 and L4 levels. IVP, chest and bone x-rays were normal. A left scalene node was excised for pathological diagnosis which revealed metastatic embryonal carcinoma. The original slides from the orchiectomy were discarded by the hospital. The urologists did not feel an operation was indicated and gave a grave prognosis. In September, because the patient expected radiotherapy and because of his emotional state, he was given a homeopathic 2,500 rad 60Co treatment to the supraclavicular area over five days. The grave prognosis was withheld from the patient. At a clinic visit in 1966, an IVP revealed minimal displacement of the left mid ureter. Visits since then have been normal except for chronic otitis media and treatment for a hot thyroid nodule 11 years ago. At his last visit in January 1986, he was well with no signs of recurrence. (Permission to reproduce case report denied by author.)