Renal cell carcinoma with unusual metastasis to the gallbladder

Imaging of gallbladder metastasis

Gallbladder metastasis (GM) is a rare condition, often with a late diagnosis or detected upon autopsy. There is no extensive literature on the imaging diagnosis of GM. Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature with the aim of helping to interpret the clinical findings and imaging features of such patients. Few studies on GM are reported in literature. GM by melanoma accounts for about 55.6% of cases. The remaining cases origin from breast cancer (13.6%), hepatocellular carcinoma (13.6%), renal cell carcinoma (6.8%), lung cancer (4.5%), lymphoma (3.5%) and gastric cancer (2.4%). The most common clinical presentation of GM is abdominal pain from cholecystitis due to obstruction of the cystic duct. The main ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings that clinicians and radiologists should consider in their everyday medical activity were discussed. The diagnosis of GM was often achieved through a combination of more than one imaging modality. In more than 90% of cases, the diagnosis of GM is often late and combined with other organs involvement in the terminal stage of the malignancy. The knowledge of the clinical features and different imaging techniques through careful evaluation of the gallbladder can help to achieve early diagnosis and avoid misdiagnosis or false negative results.

Acute cholecystitis caused by gallbladder metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer: a case report

Although non-small cell lung cancer can metastasize to any part of the body, metastasis to the gallbladder is extremely rare. We present a case of acute cholecystitis caused by gallbladder metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer. A 66-year-old man diagnosed with primary stage IV T4N3M1b non-small cell lung cancer was admitted to our hospital to receive chemotherapy, during which he presented with right upper abdominal pain. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed an enhanced mass at the neck of the gallbladder and gallbladder distension with obvious wall thickening. Acute cholecystitis caused by obstruction of the gallbladder neck by malignancy was suspected. Open cholecystectomy, extrahepatic bile duct resection, and Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomy were performed. Pathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed gallbladder metastasis originating from non-small cell lung cancer. In conclusion, when a patient with lung cancer presents with acute cholecystitis, the rare possibility of gallbladder metastasis should be considered.

Metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma mimicking a gallbladder polyp: Case report and literature review

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Metastases to gallbladder from renal cell carcinoma are very rare.

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Most of the cases are diagnosed incidentally, and both clinical presentation and physical examination are unspecific.

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Imaging although its specificity can’t make the difference between primary gallbladder carcinoma and metastasis from RCC.

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Only pathological examination of the specimen after cholecytectomy with immunochemistery can assess the diagnosis.

Introduction

Metastatic tumors to the gallbladder are uncommon. Metastases from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the gallbladder are exceptional. Frequencies of less than 0.6% reported in large autopsy reviews and few cases have been reported in the literature.

Presentation of case

Herein we present a case of a 50-year-old man that developed four years after radical nephrectomy for RCC, a gallbladder metastasis, discovered incidentally on Computed Tomography (CT) scan. It was described as an intraluminal gallbladder polyp. Radiological features were very suggestive of primary gallbladder carcinoma, thus the patient had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The pathological examination of the surgical specimen concluded to a RCC metastasis. Immunochemistry with vimentin and pancytokeratin were supportive of this diagnosis. The clinical course was uneventful after 18 months period of follow up.

Discussion

At the time of presentation, almost one-third of the patients with RCC are metastatic. Metastases to the gallbladder are extremely rare. Clinical presentation and physical examination are unspecific. Radiological findings can raise information and orient the diagnosis although the difference between both diagnoses remains difficult. Usually, it is a pedunculated and not associated with gallstones with enhancement on CT scan. The treatment remains surgical with R0 cholecystectomy, and prognosis is mainly related to disease free interval and single site metastasis.

Conclusion

We highlight here the challenge to make the difference between a primary gallbladder carcinoma and metastasis from RCC. Diagnosis is made on pathological examination and immunochemistry.

Gallbladder metastasis of renal clear cell carcinoma 15 years after primary cancer excision: a case report

Background

Renal cell carcinoma is well-known for its propensity to metastasize to unusual sites. However, metastasis to the gallbladder has been rarely reported in the literature.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old Japanese (Asian) woman presented for further evaluation of a gallbladder polyp, 15 years after right radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Computed tomography revealed a 12 mm enhancing pedunculated tumor in the gallbladder fundus. Open simple cholecystectomy was performed and the tumor was histologically confirmed as a metastasis of renal cell carcinoma to the gallbladder. Our patient is alive and has been disease-free for 3 years after cholecystectomy.

Conclusions

Although metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is a rare differential diagnosis of gallbladder tumors, simple cholecystectomy is likely to offer a chance of long-term survival for patients with gallbladder metastases of renal cell carcinoma.

Gallbladder Metastasis from Renal Cell Carcinoma

We experienced a rare case of gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma. A 68-year-old man was admitted for further evaluation of a gallbladder tumor, which had been identified on follow-up computed tomography after partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed an enhancing polypoid mass in the gallbladder lumen. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a homogenous hypo-echoic polypoid lesion, and the outer hyper-echoic layer of the adjacent wall was intact. Blood flow signals in the wall side of the mass were observed on color Doppler endoscopic ultrasonography images. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and he was uneventfully discharged. Macroscopic examination of the specimen revealed a 12 × 7 × 5 mm pedunculated tumor attached by a thin pedicle to the fundus of the gallbladder. Histology confirmed a metastasis of the renal cell carcinoma that had infiltrated the shallow subserosa but had mainly grown into cavity of the gallbladder. These imaging findings are considered characteristic and may assist preoperative diagnosis in patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell carcinoma with isolated metastasis to sigmoid mesentery: a rare resectable combination

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2%-3% of all malignancies in adults. It spreads via direct extension, lymphatic route as well as haematogenous route. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone, liver and brain are the usual sites for its metastatic spread. In the presence of limited metastatic disease with potentially resectable metastases, surgery offers the best chances of cure. In the present case, we describe a case of renal cell carcinoma with a solitary metastasis to the sigmoid mesentery in a patient with Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome. There was no retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy or tumour thrombus in the renal vein. The patient was managed with laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and excision of the sigmoid mesentery mass. At 6 months of follow-up, there is no evidence of recurrent disease.

Metastatic polyp of the gallbladder from renal cell carcinoma

Background

Gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is extremely rare. The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of metastatic RCC to gallbladder.

Methods

The pooled data for analysis were collected from the case of metastatic RCC to gallbladder encountered by our institution along with sporadic cases reported in literature from 1991 to 2015.

Results

A total of 50 cases of metastatic RCC to gallbladder were recruited for study. Fifty-seven percentage of the primary RCC was from the right kidney and 43% from the left. The median interval between diagnoses of primary and metastatic RCC to gallbladder was 36 months, with the longest duration up to 324 months. Most (70%) were asymptomatic. The size of metastatic RCC to gallbladder ranged from 0.8 cm to 9 cm, with median of 2.6 cm. Majority (91%) of the metastatic RCCs presented as a polypoid mass with narrow stalk, and 82% were hypervascular lesion. The overall 1 year, 3 year and 5 year survival rate was 91.5%, 76.2% and 59.3% respectively, with a median of 26.5 months. Number of the metastatic site, timing of gallbladder metastasis, symptom, tumor size and operation type of cholecystectomy seemed to have no impact on survival.

Conclusions

Metastatic RCC to the gallbladder should be taken into account for a gallbladder polypoid mass with narrow hypervascular stalk during the diagnosis and/or follow-up of primary RCC. Gallbladder metastasis from RCC is not necessarily to be an advanced stage with poor outcome, and cholecystectomy is recommended whenever possible.

Gallbladder's clear cell renal carcinoma metastasis: A case report

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Contribute to the comprehension of rare mestatic disease in clear cell renal carcinoma.

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Underline that non only primary tumors develop in the gallbladder.

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Increasing suspect of metastatic disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma will improve medical care of this patients.

Introduction

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is well known for its propensity to metastasize to unusual sites, even after 10 years. Gallbladder metastases are extremely rare, being found in approximately 0.6% of cases, at autopsy.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old man with a history of right ccRCC underwent total nephrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy, in another Hospital. Three years later, he was hospitalized at our Hospital, with gallbladder metastasis detected during a follow-up CT scan. At clinical examination, the patient did not present any symptoms or signs of gallbladder disease. Several imaging tests were performed to better characterize the lesion. A successful cholecystectomy and hepatic resection of 4b segment were performed, obtaining a R0 resection. The clinical course was uneventful, without any complications. After a 7-month follow-up, the patient is free from disease.

Discussion

A typical metastases are those located in a site other than thoracic, skeletal, hepatic, adrenal or encephalic tissue. Cholecystectomy with R0 resection has demonstrated to be the only factor increasing survival, mainly in isolated cases of metastasis, providing an overall 35–60% survival rate at 5 years.

Conclusion

In the follow-up of patients with a positive history of renal cell carcinoma specially clear cell subtype, all new finding should be taken into account as possible metastases. We ought to consider US and CT-scan behavior of gallbladder metastatic disease in order to orientate our diagnosis. Surgery for metastatic gallbladder disease of renal origin seems to be a feasible therapy which is capable of increasing patients’ overall survival.

Gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: a case report with review of the literature

We experienced a rare case of gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Ultrasound, computed tomographic, and magnetic resonance findings showed a hypervascular polypoid mass and correlated well with histopathologic findings. The mass showed high intensity on diffusion-weighted images, and the apparent diffusion coefficient was relatively low. These imaging findings are considered characteristic and may assist preoperative diagnosis in patients with history of RCC.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis to the Gallbladder Detected by FDG-PET/CT

A 62-year-old male presented to the ER with three episodes of diffuse abdominal pain which occurred after eating. He had a history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), prostate cancer and bladder cancer. FDG-PET/CT scan showed a hypermetabolic soft tissue density within the fundus of the gallbladder. The patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and surgical pathology revealed clear cell type RCC. This is the first report that features PET/CT imaging to detect RCC metastasis to the gallbladder. Lesions within the gall bladder and their clinical manifestations can be non-specific and PET/CT can help characterize them. RCC metastasis to the gallbladder is very rare but it should be included in the differential diagnosis, especially in patients with a history of RCC.

Chronological changes in the ultrasonic findings of gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: a case report and review

The present case involves a gallbladder metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (GBMRCC). During 11 months of ultrasound follow-up examinations, the mass, covered with a highly echoic surface layer, exhibited the following changes: the wide base became constricted, the tumor surface became irregular, and the mass increased in diameter. A histopathological examination confirmed that the tumor cells were mainly present in the subepithelial layer, the gallbladder epithelium had ruptured, and necrotic debris covered the tumor surface. The highly echoic surface layer observed on the latest ultrasound images corresponded to the necrotic debris. These findings suggested that GBMRCCs initially develop in the subepithelial layer and then undergo expansive intraluminal growth. They subsequently cause the epithelium to rupture, resulting in necrotic debris appearing on the tumor surface.

CT findings of gallbladder metastases: emphasis on differences according to primary tumors

Objective

To describe computed tomography (CT) features of metastatic gallbladder (GB) tumors (MGTs) from various primary tumors and to determine whether there are differential imaging features of MGTs according to different primary tumors.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-one patients who had pathologically confirmed MGTs and underwent CT were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical findings including presenting symptoms, type of surgery, and interval between primary and metastatic tumors were recorded. Histologic features of primary tumor and MGTs including depth of invasion were also reviewed. Imaging findings were analyzed for the location and morphology of MGTs, pattern and degree of enhancement, depth of invasion, presence of intact overlying mucosa, and concordance between imaging features of primary and metastatic tumors. Significant differences between the histologies of MGTs and imaging features were determined.

Results

The most common primary tumor metastasized to the GB was gastric cancer (n = 8), followed by renal cell carcinoma (n = 4) and hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 3). All MGTs (n = 21) manifested as infiltrative wall thickenings (n = 15) or as polypoid lesions (n = 6) on CT, similar to the features of primary GB cancers. There were significant differences in the morphology of MGTs, enhancement pattern, enhancement degree, and depth of invasion according to the histology of primary tumors (p < 0.05). Metastatic adenocarcinomas of the GB manifested as infiltrative and persistently enhancing wall thickenings, while non-adenocarcinomatous metastases usually manifested as polypoid lesions with early wash-in and wash-out.

Conclusion

Although CT findings of MGTs are similar to those of primary GB cancer, they are significantly different between the various histologies of primary tumors.

Gallbladder Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Presenting as Acute Cholecystitis

Although non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can metastasize to almost any organ, metastasis to the gallbladder with significant clinical manifestation is relatively rare. Here, we report a case of gallbladder metastasis of NSCLC presenting as acute cholecystitis. A 79-year-old man presented with pain in the right upper quadrant and fever. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest and abdomen showed a cavitary mass in the right lower lobe of the lung and irregular wall thickening of the gallbladder. Open cholecystectomy and needle biopsy of the lung mass were performed. Histological examination of the gallbladder revealed a moderately-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma displaying the same morphology as the lung mass assessed by needle biopsy. Subsequent immunohistochemical examination of the gallbladder and lung tissue showed that the tumor cells were positive for P63 but negative for cytokeratin 7, cytokeratin 20 and thyroid transcription factor-1. A second primary tumor of the gallbladder was excluded by immunohistochemical methods, and the final pathological diagnosis was gallbladder metastasis of NSCLC. Although the incidence is extremely rare, acute cholecystitis can occur in association with lung cancer metastasis to the gallbladder.

Metastasis of the gallbladder in clear cell renal carcinoma

Metastasis of the gallbladder due to renal cell tumors is rare. We present a case of gallbladder and metachronous left adrenal metastasis at six months follow-up, which demonstrates the importance of radiological tests and histology when making a definitive diagnosis. Clinical findings are not specific enough to arrive at a final diagnosis. However, immunohistochemistry is necessary to differentiate between primary and secondary metastatic tumors. Cholecystectomy should be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis and to improve survival in cases of single lesions in the gallbladder.

Renal cell carcinoma with unusual metastasis to the small intestine manifesting as extensive polyposis: successful management with intraoperative therapeutic endoscopy

We present here a rare clinical case of a 53-year-old gentleman with metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to the small intestine presenting with extensive polyposis and massive gastrointestinal bleeding which was successfully managed with intraoperative endoscopic polypectomy and segmental small bowel resection. The patient presented with melena 2 weeks after right nephrectomy for RCC. Capsule endoscopy found extensive polyposis throughout the small bowel, and the histological features confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic RCC. The patient eventually underwent laparotomy with intraoperative endoscopy of the entire small bowel. Most of the polyps were removed by snare polypectomy. Three segments of the small bowel with extensive transmural involvement had to be resected with primary anastomosis. In the 2 months following his surgery, the patient had no further evidence of gastrointestinal bleeding. The decision of meticulously removing close to 100 polyps by intraoperative endoscopy prevented the patient from requiring total small bowel resection and lifelong dependence on parenteral nutrition. In conclusion, gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with known RCC should always trigger full gastrointestinal work-up including capsule endoscopy and, if necessary, double balloon enteroscopy.

Indications and recommended approach for surgical intervention of metastatic disease to the gallbladder

Metastatic disease to the gallbladder is unusual. The most common malignancy metastatic to the gallbladder is melanoma, followed by renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and breast cancer. Due to the unusual nature of the disease, there are no trials available for review. Thus, the management for these patients has been based on institutional experience and review of case series. The indications for surgical intervention for melanoma are metastatic disease discrete to the gallbladder and biliary symptoms, which are uncommon for melanoma, but might occur due to cystic duct obstruction culminating in cholecystitis. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without a lymphadenectomy is emerging as the preferred approach for this metastatic deposit. The vast majority of patients with metastases to the gallbladder from RCC carry a good prognosis and a laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be considered. Patients with metastases to the gallbladder from the breast classically present with biliary symptoms and commonly undergo a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which invariably demonstrates a deposit in the gallbladder from lobular breast cancer. In the present report, we review the indications for surgical intervention from various malignancies metastatic to the gallbladder and the current consensus for the laparoscopic approach from the diverse metastatic deposits to the gallbladder.

Intraluminal polypoid metastasis of renal cell carcinoma in gallbladder mimicking gallbladder polyp

CONTEXT

Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in gallbladder is rare with only 18 cases published in the English literature.

OBJECTIVES

To review the clinicopathologic characteristics of metastatic RCC in gallbladder and to correlate the findings with clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

We report 4 additional cases of intraluminal polypoid metastasis of RCC in gallbladder and reviewed all reported cases, to our knowledge, of metastatic RCC in gallbladder in the English literature.

RESULTS

Most of the patients (19 of 22; 86%) were men. The ages at presentation ranged from 39 to 84 years with a median age of 61.5 years. All cases showed an intraluminal polypoid/pedunculated mucosal mass mimicking a gallbladder polyp. Histologically, all cases were clear cell RCC with most of the tumors either confined to gallbladder mucosa (67%) or involved both mucosa and muscular layer (27%). The longest interval between nephrectomy and the development of gallbladder metastasis was 27 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic clear cell RCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of polypoid lesion of the gallbladder with clear cell morphology. Solitary metastasis of RCC in gallbladder correlated with better survival, and simple cholecystectomy for solitary metastatic RCC may provide patients with favorable long-term survival.

Metastasis to gallbladder and adrenal gland of renal cell carcinoma

We studied a case of metastasis to the gallbladder and left adrenal gland of clear cell-type renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the right kidney. A polypoid gallbladder tumor and left adrenal mass were found 2 years after surgery for clear cell-type RCC in a 50-year-old man. The gallbladder tumor and left adrenal mass showed hypervascularity on diagnostic imaging. Systemic image screening showed no other metastatic lesion. Simple cholecystectomy and left adrenalectomy were performed. A histopathological examination showed tumor cells in a gallbladder polyp. Furthermore, based on various specific and immunohistochemical studies, the patient was pathologically diagnosed to have gallbladder and right adrenal gland metastasis of clear cell-type RCC.

Metastatic renal clear-cell carcinoma to the gallbladder: A radiologist's perspective

Renal-cell carcinoma is the most lethal of all urologic malignancies, with a high metastatic potential. Approximately 25% of patients present with stage IV disease, and up to 40% of patients have disease recurrence after nephrectomy. Computed tomography (CT) is an important imaging modality for initial diagnosis and restaging of this patient population. Although extremely rare, clear-cell renal carcinoma has been reported to metastasize to the gallbladder. We present the case of a 50-year-old man who developed clear-cell renal carcinoma metastases to the contralateral adrenal gland and the gallbladder that were detected at initial restaging with CT scan.