Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science (영남대 의대 학술지 편집위원회)
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Partial spontaneous remission of small cell lung carcinoma with neurologic symptom

신경계 증상을 동반한 부분적으로 자연완화된 소세포폐암

  • Yun, Kyung Hyun (Department of Internal Medicine, DongKang Medical Center) ;
  • Song, Sung Heon (Department of Internal Medicine, Cheju Halla General Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Chung Hyoun (Department of Internal Medicine, DongKang Medical Center) ;
  • Hwang, Chan Hee (Department of Internal Medicine, DongKang Medical Center) ;
  • Lee, Jun Ho (Department of Internal Medicine, DongKang Medical Center) ;
  • Choi, Je Hyoung (Department of Internal Medicine, DongKang Medical Center) ;
  • Kim, Sun Young (Department of Pathology, DongKang Medical Center)
  • Received : 2016.03.29
  • Accepted : 2016.09.26
  • Published : 2017.12.31
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Abstract

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a cancer that shows aggressive behavior, early spread to distant sites, and frequent association with distinct paraneoplastic syndromes. Spontaneous remission of cancer, particularly of SCLC, is a rare biological event. Cases involving spontaneous regression of SCLC were reported, and were associated with paraneoplastic syndromes of the nervous system. This article reports on a 78-year-old man with SCLC in remission, with neurological symptoms. The patient visited the hospital because of generalized weakness, and imaging studies revealed a mass in the lower lobe of the left lung, pathological evaluation showed SCLC. The patient refused oncologic treatment and was treated only with conservative care. In follow-up study the diameter of the mass had decreased from initial 32 mm, 9 months after admission to 20 mm, 17 months after admission to 13 mm. The patient kept complaining of generalized weakness, dizziness, and paresthesia of limbs. We assumed that, in this case, the spontaneous remission of lung cancer was related to the immunologic response directed against the tumor, which is believed to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes.

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References

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