A case of spontaneous regression of small cell lung cancer

Abstract

An 84-year-old male consulted our hospital because of an abnormal shadow pointed out on chest radiography during a medical check-up. CT showed a nodule in the left lower lobe measuring 1.5×1.2 cm. Under the suspicion of primary lung cancer, resection was planned 1.5 months later because coronary stenting had been performed 2 months earlier. Pre-operative CT performed 6 weeks after the initial CT revealed regression of the nodule, and it was diagnosed as an inflammatory nodule. However, as gradual regrowth was observed by CT at 4 and 9.5 months after the first consultation, video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed, and the nodule was diagnosed as small cell lung cancer pathologically. The patient is currently undergoing follow-up without any signs of recurrence 21 months after the operation. Even if a lung nodule decreases in size during follow-up, careful follow-up is necessary.