title: Spontaneous regression of cancer or misdiagnosis? Four case reports.
abstract: Four case reports regarding possible spontaneous regression of cancer are given. This is a rare but previously documented occurrence, with the literature suggesting possible causal factors for cancer regression or an indefinite period of dormancy. These include genetic, hormonal, immunological and psychological factors. However, the literature makes no reference to potential misdiagnosis, either clinically or histologically. The effect of being diagnosed as having terminal cancer is profound and even after regression or resolution of the disease, there are inevitable psychological sequelae.
authors.affiliation: School of Postgraduate Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Charlton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000556:secondary; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology