Diffuse large cell lymphoma with spontaneous regression in the lung and lymph nodes. Case report
Kashiyama, T.; Tojima, H.; Mizozo, A.; Imahashi, M.; Yasuda, J.; Fujita, A.; Watanabe, A.; Suzuki, A.; Kimura, H.
Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 30(6): 1175-1179
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-1542 PMID: 1507695 Document Number: 390148
An 84-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of swelling of the cervical lymph nodes and multiple tumorous lesions observed on radiographic studies. Transcutaneous lung biopsy was performed, but necrosis of the tissue was too marked to make a diagnosis. The diagnosis of diffuse large-cell lymphoma was made based on a biopsy of the pretracheal lymph node. During the first two months after admission, the left cervical lymph nodes and most of the pulmonary lesions regressed not withstanding of special treatment for lymphoma. The patient eventually died of generalized peritonitis. At autopsy, metastasis of systemic organs by malignant lymphoma was observed. Most of the lung regions were cicatrized, but clusters of atypical lymphocytes were observed in the necrotic tissue. The tumor in the mucosa of the small intestine showed necrosis, which accounted for the intestinal perforation. The total clinical course after admission was about six months. Spontaneous regression of diffuse large cell lymphoma is rare, and this is the second reported case in Japan.