[spontaneous Regression Of A Bronchial Epidermoid Cancer]
Depierre, A., Breton, J. L., & Garnier, G. (1984). Régression spotaneousanée d'un cancer bronchique épidermoïde [spontaneous regression of a bronchial epidermoid cancer]. Revue des maladies respiratoires, 1(2), 113–117.
View Original Source →Abstract
A spontaneous regression of epidermoid carcinoma of the bronchus is reported here for only the third time. This report concerns a 57 year old patient suffering from chronic airflow obstruction who had twice required artificial ventilation. Fibroptic bronchoscopy was performed on account of hilar asymetry and a small tumour on the carina of the middle lobe was discovered. The biopsy confirmed the existence of a moderately differentiated invasive epidermoid bronchial carcinoma. An examination performed four years later failed to reveal this tumour. Immunological studies showed only a notable rise in NK cells.
Case Details
Disease Location
Carina of middle lobe
Personal Characteristics
57-year-old male heavy tobacco & liquor usage
Clinical Characteristics
Hospitalized in 1979 for chronic respiratory insufficiency due to obstructive bronchitis admitted for acute hyperventilation accompanied by purulent expectoration essential anomalies were nonspecific inflammatory syndrome & abnormalities of liver variables pulmonary radiography showed an increase in volume of the right hilum--> distinct opacity present (irregular, left basal, along coastal margin) bronchoscopic exam performed (1979), displayed enlarged carina of inferior right middle lobe the diagnosis was epidermoid epithelioma moderately differentiated--> patient refused all therapeutic treatment in jan 1983, patient suffered from hypoxia & hyperuria, respiratory encephalopathy and rales standard thoracic radiography revealed dense vascularization of the hilum
Remission Characteristics
Bronchial aspiration produced a muco-inflammatory substance rich in alveolar macrophages immunologic study performed on patient in 1983 showed increase in fraction c3: 165 (normal 15-120) and c4 : 61 (normal 20-50)
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Possible factor is the notable rise in NK cells
Clinical Treatment
Treated conservatively with kinesitherapy & bronchial dilators (hypoxia & hyperuria, respiratory encephalopathy and rales)