title: Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma: report of a case.
abstract: A spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma is an extremely rare phenomenon. A 69-year-old Japanese man with hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis presented with a liver tumor. We diagnosed the tumor to be hepatocellular carcinoma in the course of spontaneous regression, by imaging studies and changes in the tumor markers. Because the possible presence of viable cancer cells could not be ruled out, we recommended surgery. He refused all treatments at first, but finally agreed to undergo surgery about 10 months after presentation. A hepatectomy was performed. Histologically, no viable tumor cells were found. In our case, the vascularity of the tumor according to the imaging findings was followed up during the clinical course. The patient is now doing well and without any evidence of recurrence at 37 months after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Osaka City General Hospital, 2-13-22 Miyakojimahondori, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohtani
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Yamazaki
authors.forename: Mitsuharu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matsuyama
authors.forename: Katsuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Horii
authors.forename: Sadatoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oka
authors.forename: Hiroko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nebiki
authors.forename: Kiyohide
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kioka
authors.forename: Osamu
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Kurai
authors.forename: Yasuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kawasaki
authors.forename: Takao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Manabe
authors.forename: Katsuko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murata
authors.forename: Ryoichi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Inoue
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009365:Neoplasm Regression, Spontaneous; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed