Regression Of Primary Tumor In Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Case With Persistent Nodal Metastasis

Authors

  • Tatiana Moreira Marques General Surgery Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Matosinhos, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6082-9337
  • Pedro Veiga Pathology Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Portugal
  • Ana Margarida Silva Thoracic Surgery Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Portugal https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4448-9915
  • Gonçalo Paupério Thoracic Surgery Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Portugal
  • Filipe Leite Thoracic Surgery Department, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48729/pjctvs.578

Keywords:

Spontaneous Regression, Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma, Lymph node metastasis

Abstract

Spontaneous regression (SR) of pulmonary adenocarcinoma is an exceedingly rare event, characterized by the unexplained disappearance or reduction of a tumor without adequate medical intervention.

We report a case of a 60-year-old male with a history of heavy smoking and previous gastric adenocarcinoma. A surveillance CT scan identified a suspicious nodule in the right upper lung. PET/CT and biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent right upper lobectomy, and histology showed no residual cancer, consistent with SR. Lymph node metastasis was detected, leading to a staging of pTxN2R1M0. The patient is currently with no signs of recurrence.

SR in pulmonary adenocarcinoma is extremely rare, and its mechanisms are not well understood. Ongoing research and careful follow- up are essential for better understanding and management.

 

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References

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Kaira K, Imai H, Mouri A et al. Progression to Lymph Node Metastasis After Spontaneous Regression of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Following Biopsy. In vivo 38 (2024): 1498-1502.

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Inui M, Sano A, Asai I et al. Spontaneous regression of small cell lung cancer. Cancer Treat Commun 3 (2015):21-3.

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Published

19-08-2026

How to Cite

1.
Moreira Marques T, Veiga P, Silva AM, Paupério G, Leite F. Regression Of Primary Tumor In Lung Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Case With Persistent Nodal Metastasis. Rev Port Cir Cardiotorac Vasc [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 19 [cited 2026 Aug. 20];33(2):25-9. Available from: https://pjctvs.com/index.php/journal/article/view/578

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 2 (2026): Apr-Jun

Section

Clinical Cases

Categories

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Portuguese Journal of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Surgery

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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