Oral Tongue Spontaneous Tumor Regression After Biopsy: A Case Report And Genomic Profile
Kumaresan, T., Rodriguez, D., Preece, J., Kmeid, M., Foulke, L., & Gildener-Leapman, N. (2025). Oral Tongue Spontaneous Tumor Regression after Biopsy: A Case Report and Genomic Profile. Ear, nose, & throat journal, 104(3), 151–154. https://doi.org/10.1177/01455613221100034
View Original Source →Abstract
Spontaneous regression of a neoplasm is a rare oncologic phenomenon. Certain neoplasms, such as melanomas and neuroblastomas, display this phenomenon. To date, spontaneous regression of oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas has been documented in only a handful of case reports. We present a novel case of spontaneous regression of an oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma following biopsy. We discuss the tumor's unique genetic profile, immune response to cancer, and review the literature on possible mechanisms of spontaneous regression. Small-volume persistent cancer in our patient reinforces that tissue confirmation remains crucial to avoid missing remaining tumor. Further investigation is required to understand mechanisms of spontaneous regression and how these may be exploited to improve head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
Case Details
Disease Location
Tongue, lymph nodes
Personal Characteristics
77-year-old woman. Past medical history included active meniere’s disease and trigeminal neuralgia.
Clinical Characteristics
She complained of a 70-pound weight loss and worsening right tongue pain with increased dysphagia over the last two weeks. Oral examination revealed a 2x3 cm endophytic tumor on her right tongue. Punch biopsy at several locations in the right anterolateral tongue, revealed invasive, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with predominantly lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. In the right neck, a small lymph node in level iii was present and likely consistent with metastatic disease
Remission Characteristics
Two weeks later, the tongue mass had almost completely regressed. One month later, the tongue had a stable 4-mm deep pocket with some thickened tissue, but no tumor was visible.
Treatment & Mechanisms
Clinical Treatment
Biopsy
Non-Clinical Treatment
None reported