[A case of spontaneous regression of lung cancer with skin metastasis]

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of a malignant tumor is a rare phenomenon, especially in advanced lung cancer. We reported a case of spontaneous regression of lung cancer with tracheal stenosis due to tumor invasion and multiple skin metastases. A 60-year-old man was admitted to our hospital on September 10, 1985, because of a dry cough. A chest roentgenogram showed a mass shadow in the right upper lung field. Bronchoscopic examination revealed tracheal stenosis due to the tumor mass, and transbronchial aspiration cytology (TBAC) yielded a diagnosis of large cell carcinoma of the lung. In spite of treatment by chemotherapy with cisplatin and vindesin and irradiation, dyspnea deteriorated and multiple skin metastases appeared. After Nd-YAG laser irradiation via a broncho-fiberscope to maintain his airway and ethanol injection into the skin metastases, his dyspnea improved and he was discharged on February 6, 1986. Two months after discharge all skin metastasis had completely disappeared, and the primary lesion also regressed and finally disappeared on chest roentgenogram until August, 1986. The mechanism of regression is unclear, but now he has been free of tumor clinically for four years.