Spontaneous Remission In Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma
Grem, J.L., Hafez, G.R., Brandenburg, J.H. and Carbone, P.P. (1986), spontaneous remission in diffuse large cell lymphoma. Cancer, 57: 2042-2044. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19860515)57:10<2042::AID-CNCR2820571027>3.0.CO;2-#
View Original Source →Abstract
A case of spontaneous remission in a Stage IIA diffuse large cell lymphoma is presented. Review of the literature suggests that whereas spontaneous regressions are a well-recognized phenomenon in indolent lymphomas, it is extremely rare in lymphomas of aggressive histologic subtype.
Case Details
Disease Location
Base of the tongue left cervical area ln
Personal Characteristics
54 -year-old female
Clinical Characteristics
Presented in january 1982 with a 2 months history of a foreign body sensation in the throat indirect laryngoscopy revealed a mass in the left vallecula, and a mobile tender ln was noted in the left neck direct laryngoscopy was performed and a 3x3cm submucosal soft tissue mass arising from the left base of the tongue was observed. A biopsy was obtained the patient received IV penicillin g for 5 days followed by oral cefazolin for 1 month to treat a possible bacterial infection histologic exam on an incisional biospy disclosed a diffuse sheet of large cells with irregular oval vesicular nuclei and with one or more prominent nucleoli and scanty cytoplasm. The mass was covered by an intact squamous epithelium. Diagnosis of malignant lymphoma, diffuse large cell type "was enterightained", the patient was referred on the exam at the referral, a 2x2 cm mass was identified at the base of the tongue, and a 2x2cm ln was palpable in the left cervical area. Pathological review confirmed diagnosis of diffuse large cell lymphoma. Clinical stage was ii on the basis of the mass plus the enlarged regional ln patient was referred to a cancer center to receive therapy. Upon exam in feb 1982, a mobile left cervical ln was palpable indirect laryngoscopy was performed, there was noted slight irregularity of the left base of the tongue; however no mass was detected diffuse large cell lymphoma was again confirmed on the original specimen chemo was withheld do to the regression and she was followed up monthly
Remission Characteristics
Once getting to the cancer center for therapy, there was no mass on the tongue that was seen, only slight irregularity on the left base the cervical ln eventually completely regressed and physical exam was normal by late spring 1982 she remains well without evidence of recurrence 4 years after her original diagnosis
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
The mass regressed after diagnostic biopsy otherwise no major mechanism proposed, albeit in the article may mechanisms were discussed in review
Clinical Treatment
IV penicillin g and cefazolin
Non-Clinical Treatment
None reported