PMID: 7544955Sep 1, 1995Paper

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
M GrossmannD Engelhardt

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of cancer is a rare phenomenon seldom described in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A case of spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma is reported and compared with the reports published in the English literature. A 52-yr-old man presented with biopsy-proven hepatocellular carcinoma, which was considered to be unresectable at initial laparotomy. The tumor subsequently regressed without specific treatment, as assessed radiologically and by normalization of a previously elevated alpha-fetoprotein level. At repeat laparotomy 14 months after initial diagnosis, intraoperative ultrasound failed to disclose a hepatic mass, and multiple biopsies showed no evidence of malignancy. To date, only nine case reports of apparently spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma have been published in the English literature. Clinical characteristics discriminating these patients from less fortunate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma could not be identified. The mechanisms underlying this intriguing phenomenon remain unknown.

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a malignant cancer in liver epithelial cells. Discover the latest research on Hepatocellular Carcinoma here.

Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer and frequently occurs in individuals with chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis. Here is the latest research.