Spontaneous Regression Of Cutaneous Head And Neck Melanoma: Implications For The Immunologic Control Of Neoplasia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous regression of cancer in the head and neck is a rare event. Moreover, there are rare reported cases of spontaneous regression of primary head and neck melanoma with accompanying immunohistochemical analysis of the tumor. METHODS: We used detailed preoperative and postoperative pathologic examination of a lesion in the right supraclavicular region. RESULTS: Pathologic examination of the initial specimen identified a melanoma of superficial spreading type with vertical growth and a thickness of 1.8 mm. The excised specimen demonstrated a complete regression of the melanoma with a florid host inflammatory response predominantly composed of a histiocytic reaction. CONCLUSION: The case presented illustrates histopathologic findings occurring in a head and neck melanoma as it is undergoing spontaneous regression. These findings point to a potentially critical role for histiocytes in effecting tumor elimination. Pathologic analysis of spontaneous head and neck melanoma regression will ultimately facilitate an improved understanding of naturally-occurring tumor elimination.