Spontaneous regression of advanced-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Spontaneous regression is defined as the partial or complete disappearance of a malignant tumour proven by microscopic examination in the absence of any substantial treatment. This paper presents the case of an older woman whose advanced-stage tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma was noted to have spontaneously regressed at seven months. Case report: A 66-year-old woman presented with a 4-month history of dysphagia and odynophagia in September 2020. An exophytic tumour was seen on the right tonsil; this was diagnosed radiologically and histologically as a squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, with tumour–node–metastasis staging of T_4aN₀M₀. The patient received best supportive care. Seven months later, the oropharyngeal lesion had disappeared, with no treatment. Subsequent computed tomography imaging showed radiological resolution of the previously noted right-sided oropharyngeal lesion. Conclusion: Several mechanisms of spontaneous regression are discussed. Further studies should review this case in conjunction with other reports of spontaneous tumour regressions, to elucidate underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]