[Transient spontaneous regression of pulmonary lymphoma: two case report and review of the literature]

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and pathogenesis of spontaneous regression of lymphoma involving the respiratory system. Methods: Two cases of pulmonary lymphoma which regressed spontaneously were reported. Literatures with"spontaneous regression, lymphoma""spontaneous remission, lymphoma"published before February 2020 were searched in Wanfang, CNKI and Pubmed database. And cases with respiratory system involvement of lymphoma which regressed spontaneously were analyzed. A total of 22 cases were finally retrieved. There were 6 males and 16 females, with an average age of (62.5±16.8) years. Results: Common symptoms included dyspnea, cough, expectoration, fever and weakness. Imaging examination showed that any parts in respiratory system could be involved. The proportion of invasive and indolent lymphomas was approximately similar. The time interval between diagnosis of lymphoma and first sign of spontaneous regression of the disease was from 2 weeks to 1 year. Spontaneous regression of the disease could sustain from 50 days to 60 months. Moreover, 78.6% of patients achieved complete remission in their courses of treatment, and some patients showed wax and wane phenomena. Conclusions: Spontaneous regression of lymphoma may occur in any part of the respiratory system. When a patient exhibits spontaneous regression of pulmonary lesions, lymphoma should be considered in the differential diagnoses. Pathology study is needed to achieve a definitive diagnosis. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis related to empirical treatment of antibiotics and corticosteroid should be avoided.