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Spontaneous regression of advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2021

K L Lau Open the ORCID record for K L Lau [Opens in a new window] ,
C W Lee Open the ORCID record for C W Lee [Opens in a new window] ,
H Tustin  and
F Stafford
K L Lau*
Affiliation:
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
C W Lee
Affiliation:
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
H Tustin
Affiliation:
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
F Stafford
Affiliation:
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Kin Lun Lau, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, SunderlandSR4 7TP, UK E-mail: kennylau@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background

Spontaneous regression is defined as the partial or complete disappearance of a malignant tumour proven by microscopic examination in the absence of any substantial treatment. This paper presents the case of an older woman whose advanced-stage tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was noted to have spontaneously regressed at seven months.

Case report

A 66-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of dysphagia and odynophagia in September 2020. An exophytic tumour was seen on the right tonsil; this was diagnosed radiologically and histologically as a squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, with tumour–node–metastasis staging of T4aN0M0. The patient received best supportive care. Seven months later, the oropharyngeal lesion had disappeared, with no treatment. Subsequent computed tomography imaging showed radiological resolution of the previously noted right-sided oropharyngeal lesion.

Conclusion

Several mechanisms of spontaneous regression are discussed. Further studies should review this case in conjunction with other reports of spontaneous tumour regressions, to elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Keywords

Oropharyngeal CancerTonsillar CancerSquamous Cell CarcinomaSpontaneous Neoplasm Regression
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 136 , Issue 9 , September 2022 , pp. 882 - 884
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Dr K L Lau takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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