A case of spontaneous regression of an untreated bronchiogenic carcinoma

Case Details

Disease Location

Right lung

Personal Characteristics

59-year-old white male heavy smoker (2-3 packs cigarettes daily) for years liberal alocholic intake 25 years

Clinical Characteristics

Chronic bronchitis for 20 years history of malaise & increasing dyspnea of 2 mths duration 18-lb weight loss over 6- months period decreased breath sounds in anterior right chest (no rales) left indirect hernia present roentgenograms of chest displayed opacity in right lung field lab data demonstrated a slight leukocytosis & moderate anemia left hospital (may 19, 1947) but readmitted jul 16, 1947 appearance of lesion on chest roentgenogram unchanged during period biopsy of mass found in right thoracotomy deemed it inoperable--> further examination revealed epidermoid carcinoma

Remission Characteristics

Temperature during postoperative course remained elevated (38.5 c) roentgenograms during postoperative period revealed progressive clearing of pulmonary lesion in right lung physical exam 5 years post detection of lung cancer revealed complete regression no physical abnormalities detected other than left indirect hernia roentgenograms of chest found 3 cm irregular density in left second interspace anteriorly, nearly complete disappearance of lesion in right lung patient followed up on dec 10, 1952, with no change in chest x-rays

Treatment & Mechanisms

Clinical Treatment

Right thoracotomy (jul 20, 1947) revealed carcinoma of lung with involvement of right hilum & invasion of mediastinum at level of pulmonary artery received 300,000 units penicillin daily for 5 days (postoperation)

Non-Clinical Treatment

Two halibut liver oil capsules daily, 4 vegetable compound tablets daily, occasional barbiturate for sleep, vitamin bi tablets vegetable tablets contained asparagus, parsley, water cress, broccoli