Renal cell carcinoma: diagnosis based on metastatic manifestations

Metastasectomy for extracalvarial renal cell carcinoma

Key Clinical Message

Palliative surgical resection of extra-calvarial metastatic lesions from renal cell tumors is crucial for controlling metastatic spread, improving quality of life, and preventing associated morbidity. Careful surgical planning, including selective preoperative embolization and controlled resection around critical structures such as the sagittal sinus, is essential for successful outcomes. Cranioplasty with Titanium mesh and bone cement post-resection can provide symptomatic relief, better cosmesis, and overall improved quality of life.

Abstract

Renal cell carcinomas are aggressive tumors with distant systemic disease. The calvarium appears to be an unusual and rare site for distant metastasis. The treatment modalities are challenging and out of the normal realm for the management of these tumors. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman with a previous history of nephrectomy who presented with symptoms of severe headaches, and swelling of bi-frontal and bi-parietal scalp regions due to multifocal extracalvarial disease. Preoperative bilateral superficial temporal artery embolization was performed to control the intraoperative bleeding. Surgical technique has been described with the critical steps involved, and a literature review has been conducted. Palliative tumor resection surgery was performed to improve the patient's quality of life as well as to confirm the histopathological diagnosis. Gross total resection of the extracalvarial metastatic tumor was achieved. Biopsy confirmed renal cell tumor with the clear cell subtype. The patient recovered well from her surgery with slow healing of the scalp wound. At 6-month follow-up, no recurrence of the extracalvarial disease was observed on serial imaging. Extracalvarial metastasis is a rare presentation in renal cell carcinoma. Considering the inherent radioresistant nature of the tumor, palliative surgical resection can be offered to control the metastatic spread, relieve agonizing pain symptoms, and to improve the quality of life. Preoperative embolization helps to decrease intraoperative blood loss. Moreover, palliative surgical resection of extracalvarial diseases helps to treat the metastasis as well as avoiding the associated morbidity that may occur if left untreated.

Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma to the Scalp: A Case Report With Review of Literature

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of renal neoplasm. It accounts for 3% of solid tumors in adults and mostly affects men with the peak incidence between the fifth and seventh decades. It metastasizes mainly through the hematogenous spread, and the lung is the most common site of metastasis followed by bone, lymph node, liver, brain, and adrenal glands. Skin metastasis is extremely rare and accounts for <7% of RCC metastases, with the scalp and face being the most reported sites. Skin metastases are usually diagnosed at a later stage of the disease, commonly post-nephrectomy, and are regarded as a poor prognostic factor. Here we report a case of a 54-year-old male who presented with a red, pedunculated, bleeding, and nontender scalp lesion (2x2cm in size) found on the right parietal area. with a history of left radical nephrectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy for clear cell RCC 17 years ago, as well as laminectomy and radiotherapy for bone metastases in C5 and C6 in 2015. After surgical excision of the scalp lesion, histology revealed metastatic clear cell RCC. The patient was doing well post-surgical excision and was referred back to oncology where palliative care and supportive treatment were initiated. In the span of five months post-resection, he developed several conditions where his health further deteriorated. He was announced dead in September 2022 due to cardiac arrest. This case highlights the occurrence of scalp metastases long after the surgical resection of RCC.

A rare case of syncronous solitary para-pharyngeal metastasis of clear cell carcinoma in a patient with small renal mass

INTRODUCTION

Unusual metastatic sites of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are not infrequent. We report a rare case of solitary pharyngeal metastasis as first presentation of RCC.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 74 years-old man was referred to our hospital due to rapidly progressive dyspnoea and dysphagia. Physical examination showed a large right para-pharyngeal mass. Imaging findings showed a 5.5 cm mass, suspicious for malignancy, which extended to right para and retro-pharyngeal spaces with compression of the major right cervical vessels, C2-C3 vertebral bodies osteolysis, dural sac compression and dislocation. Futhermore, a small (2.6 × 2 cm) mass located at the upper pole of the right kidney was shown. Patient underwent partial trans-oral removal of the mass. Pathological examination and immunochemistry resulting strongly suggestive for metastatic RCC. Considering the metastatic stage of the tumour and the rapidly progressive clinical worsening with poor performance status, we offered the patient a palliative treatment with tyrosine kinase and cytoreductive radiotherapy on vertebral bodies. The patient developed a rapidly progressive multifocal metastatic disease and died 4 months after the presentation.

CONCLUSION

We think that our case is noteworthy for some aspects. Firstly, pharyngeal localizations of RCC are very rare and this is the first case of solitary pharyngeal metastasis. Secondly, this metastatic lesion was really particular because it was synchronous and twice as big than the primary tumour. Thirdly, this case is consistent with previous evidence that synchronous compared with metachronous metastasis RCC is associated with adverse effect on outcome and response to targeted treatment.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis to the Breast: A Rare Presentation

Worldwide breast malignancy is the most common cancer in women; however, metastases to the breast from extramammary malignancies are very rare and only a few sporadic cases are reported in the international literature. In this article, the authors report a case of a 73-year-old woman, who underwent nephrectomy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma and 3 years later presented with a breast metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (clear cell type).

Renal cell carcinoma presenting as a tumor on the scalp: A case report

•

Skin metastases from renal cell carcinomas are rare.

•

Skin metastases might have a vascularized appearance.

•

Metastasis to the skin is associated with a poor prognosis.

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is often diagnosed as an incidental finding on imaging studies and about a fourth of patients have metastases by the time of diagnosis. RCC is known to metastasize widely but cutaneous metastases are considered uncommon and are rarely the presenting symptom of RCC. We present a case of RCC presenting with a tumor on the scalp.

Case

A 65-year-old healthy man presented with a 9-month history of a growing mass on the scalp. Clinical examination revealed a pulsating, highly vascularized tumor that was excised. Histopathological findings were consistent with a metastasis from a renal cell carcinoma. Further investigations revealed a 13 cm kidney tumor with metastases to the lungs and mediastinum.

Discussion

Cutaneous metastasis from RCC is uncommon and is rarely the initial symptom of RCC. The lesions often have a vascularized appearance and may be clinically confused with other vascular tumors. Skin metastasis is a sign of advanced disease and prognosis is poor.

Conclusion

An occult RCC may present with a skin lesion. Skin metastasis from RCC is an important differential diagnosis in tumors with a vascular appearance, especially in patients with a previous history of RCC.

A Rare Case of Missing Primary in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can present with a myriad of clinical symptoms and signs. It is also notorious for its initial presentation with distant metastasis. We report a case of a 42-year-old male diagnosed with papillary RCC (PRCC) presenting with pleural and nodal metastases in the absence of a radiographically-detected tumor primary. PRCC was diagnosed on immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue from the pleura and mediastinal lymph nodes and confirmed by gene expression profiling studies. As per treatment guidelines for metastatic RCC, the patient was started on sunitinib with evidence of disease progression after two cycles and palliative care approach was recommended due to rapidly declining performance status. Prospective data on the optimal management of metastatic PRCC are lacking, but drugs used are similar to the treatment of clear cell carcinomas (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors) and checkpoint inhibitors. Further molecular study of these rare tumors is warranted to detect drivers of oncogenesis and identify targets for therapeutic intervention.

Cutaneous metastatic renal cell carcinoma to the scalp

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2% to 3% of human cancers and is aggressive, with metastatic capability. The frequent metastatic sites are lung, bone, and liver. Reports of RCC metastatic to skin, and especially scalp are rare. Here we present an 83-year-old woman who was diagnosed with RCC 19 years prior and had a metastatic scalp lesion. An 83-year-old woman presented with a red-to-purple, protruding lesion at the right parietotemporal area. Twenty-three years ago, a right renal mass was incidentally discovered on ultrasound through a routine medical examination. She underwent right nephrectomy for RCC 4 years later. Five months after nephrectomy, new lung nodules were observed. Fifteen years after nephrectomy, metastatic lesions were found in the pelvic bone. She visited dermatology department for evaluation of the new scalp lesion, a year before she first visited our department. Despite chemotherapy, the mass was gradually enlarged. She consulted the plastic surgery department for management of the metastatic RCC was successfully treated with total excision including a 1-cm safety margin, local flap, and STSG coverage. Complete healing was observed, without evidence of recurrence during a 7-month followup. Metastases to the skin are rare, but must be kept in mind because of its high metastatic ability and poor prognosis.

Successful Treatment of Anal Canal Cancer Metastasis to the Cranial Bones: A Case Report and Literature Review

Single metastasis to the cranial bone represents a very uncommon occurrence that can arise from an anal canal cancer. No cases of cranial bone metastasis from anal canal carcinoma are available in the literature. Herein, we present a case of a unique metastatic lesion to the right parietal bone that occurred after curative chemoradiotherapy of primary squamous cell anal canal carcinoma. The patient received radiotherapy and systemic platinum-based chemotherapy, with optimal local control, high compliance and a well tolerable level of toxicity.

Synergistic Activity of Paclitaxel, Sorafenib, and Radiation Therapy in advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma and Breast Cancer

Advanced cancer has been shown to be associated with a higher percentage of epigenetic changes than with genetic mutations. Preclinical models have shown that the combination of paclitaxel, sorafenib, and radiation therapy (RT) plays a crucial role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and breast cancer. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of mitochondrial cytochrome c-dependent apoptosis in the mechanism of action of a combination of paclitaxel, sorafenib, and RT in RCC and breast cancer. RCC and breast cancer cell lines were exposed to paclitaxel and sorafenib alone or combined in the presence of radiation, and cell viability was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The synergistic anticancer effects of the combination therapy on cell cycle and intracellular signaling pathways were estimated using flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis. RCC and breast cancer cell line xenograft models were used to examine the antitumor activity in vivo. Our results suggest that paclitaxel, sorafenib, and RT synergistically decreased the viability of RCC and breast cancer cells and significantly induced their apoptosis, as shown by caspase-3 cleavage. Paclitaxel, sorafenib, and radiation cotreatment reduced antiapoptotic factor levels in these cells and, thereby, significantly reduced the tumor volume of RCC and breast cancer cell xenografts. The current study suggests that paclitaxel, sorafenib, and radiation cotreatment was more effective than cotreatment with paclitaxel or sorafenib and radiation. These findings may offer a new therapeutic approach to RCC and breast cancer.

Skull metastasis revealing a renal tumor: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinomas represent 85% of malignant renal tumors. Typically, the tumor remains asymptomatic a long time before the appearance of urologic clinical signs. In some cases, metastasis can precede the manifestations of the primary tumor. Different sites are potential metastatic localizations for renal tumors, including skull metastases who represent a very rare location.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report the case of a 65-year-old man presented after the appearance of a skull mass. This tumefaction developed and had progressively grown up during 9 months. Neurological examination was normal. Brain imaging showed a soft tissue lesion in the left parietal bone with marked osteolysis. Peroperative was found a huge oval-shape hemorrhagic and firm mass associated with scalp invasion and bone destruction that was totally resected. Histopathology revealed renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Pelvic and abdominal CT scan was performed, revealing a large mass on the left kidney with irregular contours and poor definition. The patient was then transferred to urology where he underwent nephrectomy. The patient went then through adjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical and radiological follow up of 12 months did not bring to light tumor recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Although metastases to the head and neck occur infrequently, they should be considered when evaluating any unusual subcutaneous mass in the head and neck. RCC should not be discounted when sites as unlikely as the calvaria are evaluated. Treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma is complex, and the optimal regimen for achieving a lasting response without severe toxicity has not yet been defined.

Intracranial dural, calvarial, and skull base metastases

Metastatic disease to the intracranial dura, the calvarium, and the skull base is relatively uncommon but presents unique diagnostic and management challenges in the patient with cancer. Modern imaging techniques have facilitated the detection of intracranial tumor deposits, leading to increased incidence. While dural and calvarial metastases often present with nonspecific symptoms, skull base metastases present with distinct clinical syndromes dependent on the local neurovascular structures affected. Intracranial dural metastases can often be confused with meningioma and pose a diagnostic challenge, as well as significant neurologic morbidity, especially in the setting of hemorrhage. Surgical intervention may be helpful in selected patients for symptomatic relief as well as survival benefit. Management paradigms need to take into account the relative risks, benefits, and likely outcomes for each possible modality of treatment. Surgical excision is useful in many patients and in combination with radiation therapy can provide significant palliation. While medical therapy is rarely an initial therapy in these entities, it may be of added benefit dependent on the underlying tumor histology and prior treatment history. Occasionally treatment with curative intent is justified.

A unique presentation of renal cell transformation into renal cell carcinoma in subcutaneous fatty tissue post twenty year old healing gun-shot wound: A case report

•

An RCC presenting as a result of malignant transformation of remnant renal cells.

•

At a site where twenty years ago the patient had sustained a gunshot wound.

•

He underwent several surgeries, including a nephrectomy for that gunshot trauma.

•

The case is unique in its time course, the preceding events, & no primary lesions.

•

Its unheard-of malignant transformation of seemingly non-functional cells.

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy in the genitourinary tract, and is among the 10 most common cancers in both males and females.

Presentation of case

We report a case of a 61-year-old male who presented with a cutaneous lesion on his left back side at a site where he had undergone several surgeries – including Left nephrectomy – twenty years ago for a gun-shot wound he sustained which penetrated his abdomen.

Discussion

At that time pathology reports turned out to be normal, specially left kidney pathology report which was negative for any malignancy. Twenty years later, patient presented with a clear fluctuating painless cutaneous mass of 1–2 cm on his left back side, which grew gradually over time. Histopathologically, the incisional biopsy showed trabecular & papillary clear cells with prominent vascularity and hemosiderin deposition in the stroma, consistent with a malignant Renal cell Carcinoma (RCC). Immunohistochemically, it stained positive for Vimentin, CD10, PAX-8. Labs revealed positive renal cell carcinoma antibody. CT scans, urine tests, and bone scans failed to reveal the site of the primary lesion. Furthermore, the patient reports minimal constitutional symptoms and is grossly well.

Conclusion

The authors have reported an interesting case of an RCC presenting in a healed gun-shot wound in a previously nephrectomized patient. To the best of authors’ knowledge, such a case hasn’t been reported in the literature before, with it being unique in its time course, preceding events, and absence of primary lesions.

Calvarial metastasis of renal cell carcinoma

The calvarium is an extremely unusual site of metastasis of renal cell carcinoma. We report a 62-year-old man who was enrolled for palliative medical management for an exophytic calvarial metastasis. His quality of life was greatly compromised with everyday local care and bandages due to recurrent events of infection and bleeding, limiting his social life. Surgical palliative surgery was carried out to improve the patient's quality of life. After tumour resection, the resultant defects of the calvarium and the scalp were covered by a muscular latissimus dorsi free flap and a fascia lata graft as dural substitute. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis during the 3 years follow-up. Consequently, resection of solitary metastasis in the early stage is the treatment of choice with a chance to cure the metastasis and avoid associated morbidity that may occur if the lesion is left untreated.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Scalp

Because of the asymptomatic natural history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by the time a diagnosis is made, metastatic disease is present in about one third of the cases. Thus, the overall survival of patients with RCC remains poor. Ultimately up to 50% of patients with RCC will develop metastases. Metastatic lesions from RCC are usually observed in the lungs, liver or bone. Metastases to the brain or the skin from RCC are rare. Here we present a patient diagnosed with RCC, found to have no evidence of metastases at the time of nephrectomy, who presented two years later with metastases to the scalp. We review the literature of patients with this rare site of metastasis and outline the overall prognosis of this lesion compared to other site of metastases from RCC.

A Rare Cause of Nasal Obstruction: Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Introduction. Renal cell carcinoma can present with several interesting symptoms, paraneoplastic syndromes, and unusual metastatic sites. Head and neck region is one of the rare locations for renal cell carcinoma metastasis. Case Report. A 50-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with nasal congestion and snoring. Physical examination revealed nasal serous secretion. First taken biopsy was misinterpreted. The symptoms of the patient were not revealed and he was readmitted to the hospital. On radiologic examination, a vascular rich mass in maxillary sinus extending to the nasal cavity was observed. Biopsy was diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma metastasis. Herein, we present a patient with renal cell carcinoma presenting nasal obstruction and snoring as first and recurrent symptom.

Sunitinib as Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Management of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Mimicking a Glomus Vagale Tumor in the Head and Neck: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of the head and neck with intracranial extension is rare and may pose difficulties to the diagnosis and management. Method We describe a unique case of a 76-year-old man with a metastatic RCC to the neck and lateral skull base with intracranial extension presenting with Collet-Sicard syndrome 8 years after initial diagnosis. The radiologic features were consistent with the diagnosis of a glomus vagale tumor on the basis of clinical and radiologic features. Results Despite radiotherapy, the intracranial extension progressed in size, resulting in early hydrocephalus. Sunitinib, a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was instituted to treat the glomus vagale tumor with a marked reduction in tumor volume and resolution of the early hydrocephalus. The surgical resection of the tumor with its intracranial extension was achieved without additional postoperative morbidity. The histopathologic diagnosis surprisingly demonstrated metastatic RCC. Conclusion We present a case of metastatic RCC to the head and neck region mimicking a glomus vagale tumor and describe the first use of sunitinib as a neoadjuvant chemotherapy to achieve a single-stage radical en bloc resection of the tumor mass.

Three Synchronous Atypical Metastases of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma to the Maxillary Gingiva, Scalp and the Distal Phalanx of the Fifth Digit: A Case Report

Oral cavity metastasis of malignant tumors is extremely rare and accounts for only 1% of all malignant oral tumors. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can metastasize to any part of the body, with a 15% risk of metastasis to the head and neck region when the disease is disseminated and a 1% risk when it is not. RCC also is the third most common infraclavicular neoplasm that metastasizes to the oral cavity, after lung carcinoma in men and breast carcinoma in women. In the maxillofacial region, the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses are the most commonly affected sites, followed by the oral cavity. This report describes the case of a 51-year-old man with a history of clear RCC presenting with 3 synchronous atypical metastases of this tumor to the maxillary gingiva, scalp, and distal phalanx of the fifth digit. Clinical findings, diagnosis, pathology, and treatment of these lesions are discussed. Metastasis of RCC should always be included in the differential diagnosis when a new oral and maxillofacial lesion appears in a patient with a history of RCC because the metastatic lesions can often present in a broad spectrum of forms. The rapid growth of these lesions should alert clinicians to avoid any delays in biopsy examination and subsequent treatment, which is usually palliative, because prognosis is usually poor.

THYROID METASTASIS FROM CLEAR CELL CARCINOMA OF THE KIDNEY 16 YEARS AFTER NEPHRECTOMY

The thyroid gland is one of the most vascularized organs in the body. However, metastatic disease to the thyroid gland is rare. When it does occur kidney is the most common primary tumor site, followed by melanoma, lung, breast, esophagus, uterus and colon carcinoma. We describe the case of an isolated thyroid metastasis from clear cell renal carcinoma occurring 16 years after nephrectomy. An 82 years-old woman presented for the recent growth of a right thyroid nodule, diagnosed 3 years before, when a fine needle aspiration biopsy found a benign cytology suggesting a well-differentiated follicular thyroid adenoma. Her medical history included type 2 diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and a right nephrectomy for a clear cell renal carcinoma done 16 years before. The patient has lost weight but she was otherwise asymptomatic. The right lobe goiter was painless, firm, and mobile with deglutition, without signs of local compression or latero-cervical lymphadenopathy. Thyroid ultrasonography revealed an enlarged (9.9 cm) macronodular right lobe, with multiple cystic areas, with normal left lobe and a thrombus in the right internal jugular vein. Thyroid function tests were normal. The patient was suspected of thyroid carcinoma and underwent a near total thyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a metastasis of clear cell renal carcinoma in the right thyroid gland lobe (8.5/5/5 cm). Further imaging showed no primary tumor or other metastases. Metastatic renal carcinoma to the thyroid should be considered in any patient presenting with a thyroid mass and a medical history of operated renal cell carcinoma, since it can occur up to 25 years after nephrectomy.

Atypical presentation of calvarial metastasis of renal cell carcinoma in an adolescent: A rare case diagnosed on fine needle aspiration cytology with literature review

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a complex and challenging neoplasm both in terms of treatment as well as diagnosis. Its unpredictable biological behavior and many deceptive appearances can sometimes bewilder the pathologist. We hereby report a rare case of a 17 year old girl presenting with an occipital swelling and importantly no prior documents at the time of aspiration. Fine needle aspiration cytology showed features of metastatic carcinoma with the following possibilities; metastatic RCC, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Further detailed history of the patient and investigations were advised. Intraoperative squash smears also showed similar features. Histopathology of the lesion showed features of metastatic RCC. This case highlights the fact that a skull lesion in rare cases may be the presenting sign of an underlying malignancy. In the absence of key documents, providing the correct diagnosis may become very challenging and cytomorphology alone can be extremely helpful.

Ocular Metastatic Renal Carcinoma Presenting With Proptosis

Metastatic renal carcinoma is the third most common source of ocular and second most common source of orbital metastases. This is the first published case of von Hippel-Lindau (vHL) disease that developed renal cell carcinoma metastatic to an eye with a retinal hemangioblastoma. A 73-year-old woman had a history of vHL disease that included prior retinal hemangioblastomas, 2 cerebellar hemangioblastomas, and bilateral renal cell carcinomas with sacral metastasis. After presenting with progressive, painful proptosis secondary to a large mass observable by ocular CT, an enucleation-orbitotomy was performed, and the surgical specimen was sent for histopathological analysis. The ophthalmic renal metastatic tumor, like the primary tumor, was a clear cell variant that involved both the eyeball and orbit in continuity. The intraocular component was larger than the extraocular portion, which was interpreted as an outward extension of an initial retinal metastasis that probably first settled within a hemangioblastoma. Clusters of ectatic ghost vessels with thickened walls produced by periodic acid Schiff-positive, redundant basement membrane material were partially infiltrated by tumor cells at their periphery, thereby lending some support for this hypothesis. Immunohistochemical positivity for the biomarkers cytokeratin 18, vimentin, carbonic anhydrase IX, PAX2, and PAX 8 confirmed the diagnosis. The patient has refused further treatment. Her anophthalmic socket has comfortably retained a porous polyethylene implant without clinical evidence of local recurrence during 5 months of follow up.

Breast metastases from a Renal Cell Carcinoma. A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Metastases to the breast from extra-mammary tumors are uncommon and few sporadic cases are reported in the international literature. An accurate differential diagnosis of secondary cancer is mandatory because both prognosis and treatment differ with respect to primary breast tumors.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the case of a 70-year-old woman with an isolated metastasis to the breast occuring 9 years after undergoing a nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). Clinical examination revealed a palpable and mobile mass in the right breast with an enlarged ipsilateral axillary lymph node. Mammographic findings showed a dense, well circumscribed solid mass and the breast ultrasonography findings were those of a hypoechoic homogeneous solid nodule with no posterior attenuation but with prominent peripheral vascularity. A tru-cut biopsy was conclusive for a metastatic deposit by RCC. A whole-body CT scan showed no evidence of further recurrences. The patient underwent metastasectomy and exeresis of the papable lymphnode.

DISCUSSION

In patients with former surgery for RCC, a diagnosis based on a preoperative biopsy allows to indicate the proper surgical treatment: in facts, as compared to primary breast tumors treatment, the rationale to pursue wide surgical margins is pointless in cases of metastases and, similarly, the biopsy of the sentinel lymphnode is void of sense due to the lack of its physiopathological prerequisite.

CONCLUSION

We suggest to consider a micro-histological biopsy of any new breast lesion appearing in a patient with a history of treatment for RCC. Prompt diagnosis is necessary to choose the right treatment.

Breast metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: rare initial presentation of disease recurrence after 5 years

Metastasis to the breast from extra-mammary tumors is rare with only a few sporadic cases reported. We present a 58-year-old female patient diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Five years ago she had a radical nephrectomy and was free of disease, then discovered solitary breast mass following self-examination. The patient presented to the breast clinic for evaluation whereupon the breast mass was identified on physical and radiological examinations. Fine needle aspiration was diagnostic of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and subsequent imaging studies demonstrated multiple pulmonary deposits and recurrent renal mass in the tumor bed of the diseased site. In a multidisciplinary clinic, the patient was elected for excision biopsy followed by systemic tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Six months later she had brain metastasis and received whole brain irradiation followed by palliative therapy. We are presenting this rare case with the aim of increasing awareness of breast secondaries.

[Cardiac metastasis of renal cell carcinoma, a rare location]

The renal carcinoma is situated in the third rank of the urologic cancers. It is metastatic in a third of the cases, when we made the diagnosis of the cancer. Lungs, bone, the liver, the suprarenal gland and the brain stay metastatic sites of preference. Some metastatic locations are anecdotal and made the object of some publications. We report the case of a cardiac metastasis of renal carcinoma at an old patient 81 years old operated for cardiac tumor.

Immunohistochemical distinction of primary adrenal cortical lesions from metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a study of 248 cases

The diagnosis of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CC-RCC) can be difficult because of its morphologic heterogeneity and the increasing use of small image-guided biopsies that yield scant diagnostic material. This is further complicated by the degree of morphologic and immunophenotypic overlap with nonrenal neoplasms and tissues, such as adrenal cortex. In this study, a detailed immunoprofile of 63 adrenal cortical lesions, which included 54 cortical neoplasms, was compared with 185 metastatic CC-RCCs using traditional [anticalretinin, CD10, antichromogranin, antiepithelial membrane antigen, anti-inhibin, antimelanA, anticytokeratins (AE1/AE3 and AE1/CAM5.2), antirenal cell carcinoma marker, and antisynaptophysin)] and novel [anticarbonic anhydrase-IX, antihepatocyte nuclear factor-1b, antihuman kidney injury molecule-1 (hKIM-1), anti-PAX-2, anti-PAX-8, antisteroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1), and anti-T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-1] antibodies. Tissue microarray methodology was used to simulate small image-guided biopsies. Staining extent and intensity were scored semiquantitatively for each antibody. In comparing different intensity thresholds required for a "positive" result, a value of ≥2+ was identified as optimal for diagnostic sensitivity/specificity. For the distinction of adrenal cortical lesions from metastatic CC-RCCs, immunoreactivity for the adrenal cortical antigens SF-1 (86% adrenal; 0% CC-RCC), calretinin (89% adrenal; 10% CC-RCC), inhibin (86% adrenal; 9% CC-RCC), and melanA (86% adrenal; 10% CC-RCC) and for the renal epithelial antigens hKIM-1 (0% adrenal; 83% CC-RCC), PAX-8 (0% adrenal; 83% CC-RCC), hepatocyte nuclear factor-1b (0% adrenal; 76% CC-RCC), epithelial membrane antigen (0% adrenal; 78% CC-RCC), and carbonic anhydrase-IX (3% adrenal; 87% CC-RCC) had the most potential use. Use of novel renal epithelial markers hKIM-1 (clone AKG7) and/or PAX-8 and the adrenocortical marker SF-1 in an immunohistochemical panel for distinguishing adrenal cortical lesions from metastatic CC-RCC offers improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.

Sciatica leading to the discovery of a renal cell carcinoma

Metastatic renal cell cancer is not exceptional in kidney cancer (30% of patients with kidneyl cancer). Its prognosis is particularly severe. However, sciatic neuralgia (sciatica) remains an exceptional revealing clinical sign of this disease. The authors report the case of a patient admitted with right sciatica as chief complain, leading to the discovery of a renal cell carcinoma. Although uncommon, renal cell carcinoma spine metastasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of back pain and sciatica.

Specificity of brachyury in the distinction of chordoma from clear cell renal cell carcinoma and germ cell tumors: a study of 305 cases

Brachyury is recognized as a specific marker for notochord-derived tissues and neoplasms, and has become a defining immunohistochemical feature of chordoma. The main differential diagnostic consideration for chordoma is chondrosarcoma, which is known to lack brachyury expression. However, within the spectrum of genitourinary neoplasia, metastatic germ cell tumors and clear cell renal cell carcinoma may also be close morphological mimics of chordoma, particularly given the increasing prevalence of small tissue samples from image-guided biopsies. Although immunoreactivity for brachyury has been reported in a few germ cell tumors, a thorough characterization of staining by specific subtype has not been performed in a large series. Additionally, brachyury expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma has not been well studied. In this study, immunohistochemical expression with the brachyury antibody was evaluated in 111 germ cell tumors, 30 non-neoplastic and neoplastic (non-germ cell) testicular tissues, and 184 metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas using tissue microarray technology. In addition, immunoreactivity for PAX-8 and SALL-4 was evaluated in 12 chordomas on whole section. No nuclear brachyury expression was identified in any of the 101 germ cell tumors within the tissue microarray (including choriocarcinoma (1), embryonal carcinoma (20), intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (2), seminoma (64), spermatocytic seminoma (1), teratoma (5) and yolk sac tumor (8)), in any of the 30 non-neoplastic and neoplastic (non-germ cell) testicular tissues, or in any of the 10 whole-section seminomas. All 184 metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinomas were also non-reactive for brachyury. All 12 chordomas showed strong nuclear immunoreactivity for brachyury, but no expression of SALL-4. In all, 1 of 12 chordoma cases showed patchy, 1+ nuclear immunoreactivity for PAX-8. This study confirms the specificity of brachyury for chordoma in the differential diagnostic distinction from the potential genitourinary mimics, germ cell tumors and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

The operative challenges of advanced renal cell carcinoma with vena cava involvement: a report of three cases

Surgical resection remains an important component in the care of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Some of the patients so managed had relief of symptoms and improved quality of life. However, palliative nephrectomies in late cases with vena cava involvement are not without challenges. An important factor to be considered for successful surgery is adequate vena cava management. We report in this paper three patients who had metastatic RCC. For over three decades now, researchers in Lagos had recorded the abysmal prognosis of advanced cases of RCC. Yet, late presentation and diagnosis still persisted in our environment. There is therefore the need to repackage our strategies aimed at early detection of this pathology and thus improved postoperative outcome.

[Vaginal metastasis from renal cell carcinoma]

Vaginal metastases in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been reported in rare situations. We present a case of metastatic RCC in a 75-year-old woman, initially presenting with haematuria and vaginal pain. Workup further revealed a renal tumor and a vaginal mass. A nephrectomy and local vaginal excision were performed, leading to the diagnosis of metastatic RCC. This case illustrate the variability in RCC presentation. Also, because vaginal clear cell carcinoma is rare, all such lesions should be considered potentially renal in origin.

The utility of Pax-2 as an immunohistochemical marker for renal cell carcinoma in cytopathology

Pax-2 is a homeogene expressed during kidney development. Its expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been previously evaluated in histologic samples with a high sensitivity and specificity. Here, we investigated the utility of Pax-2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) for RCC in cytologic material, in comparison with a variety of other neoplasms. Pax-2 IHC was performed on cell block sections of 33 RCCs (14 primary, 19 metastatic) and 35 non-RCC malignancies, including 26 carcinomas, five mesenchymal tumors, one neuroblastoma, two melanomas, and one lymphoma, from fine-needle aspirations and body fluids. The presence or absence of nuclear staining and its intensity and distribution in positive cases were evaluated. Of 33 RCCs, Pax-2 was positive in 20 (61%) and negative in 13 (39%). All staining was nuclear, with an admixture of weakly or strongly staining nuclei. Only an endometrial adenocarcinoma was positive in the non-RCC group. The sensitivity and specificity of Pax-2 IHC for RCC were 61 and 97%, respectively. Pax-2 is a moderately sensitive and highly specific marker for RCC in cytologic material, with a lower sensitivity compared with tissue sections, likely due to a patchy expression pattern, and should be included in the immunohistochemical work-up of malignancies.

Differences in organ system of distant metastasis by renal cell carcinoma subtype

PURPOSE

The majority of the published data regarding the rates of renal cell carcinoma metastasis to specific locations has examined renal cell carcinoma as a whole. We evaluated site of distant metastasis by renal cell carcinoma histological subtype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We studied 910 patients treated with radical nephrectomy for clear cell, papillary or chromophobe renal cell carcinoma at the Mayo Clinic between 1970 and 2000 who had distant metastasis at nephrectomy or who had metastasis during followup. The sites of metastases were compared by histological subtype using the chi-square and Fisher exact tests.

RESULTS

There were 853 (94%) patients with clear cell, 39 (4%) with papillary and 18 (2%) with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Median followup for the 65 patients who were still alive at last followup was 11.6 years. Patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma were more likely to have metastasis to the lungs (53.6%) compared to those with papillary (33.3%) and chromophobe (33.3%) renal cell carcinoma (p = 0.012). Patients with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma were more likely to have metastasis to the liver compared to those with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (33.3% vs 9.7%, p = 0.007), but there was not a statistically significantly difference in the incidence of liver metastases between patients with chromophobe and papillary renal cell carcinoma (33.3% vs 18.0%, p = 0.308).

CONCLUSIONS

Site of distant metastasis varies significantly by renal cell carcinoma histological subtype. Patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma are more likely to have metastasis to the lungs while patients with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma are more likely to experience liver metastasis.

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa as an unusual presentation of renal cell carcinoma: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Renal cell carcinoma is a common adult malignancy that can present incidentally or with a multitude of clinical symptoms and signs. Metastatic spread is frequent, occurring via haematogenous and lymphatic routes, although it does not typically present with lymphangitis carcinomatosa.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe a patient who presented with cough and increasing dyspnoea. Initial chest x-ray and computed tomography were consistent with lymphangitis carcinomatosa that proved secondary to underlying renal cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Lymphangitis carcinomatosa occurs with many different primary tumours and can rarely be the presenting feature of renal cell carcinoma. Underlying renal cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphangitis carcinomatosa and excluded with subsequent investigations.

Renal cell carcinoma presenting with skull metastasis: a case report and literature review

The occurrence of metastasis to the head and neck region in renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare. An 80-year-old man presented with a soft nodule in the left parietal calvarium and was admitted to our hospital. Biopsy of the nodule showed nests of clear tumor cells, suggesting metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a well-defined hypervascular tumor, measuring around 7 x 7 x 8 cm, exophytic from the lower pole of the right kidney. Since there were no other systemic metastases, right nephrectomy and complete resection of the skull lesion were performed. No adjunctive therapy was given postoperatively. After 22 months of follow-up, the patient was well and without evidence of disease.

[Unusual metastasis of renal carcinoma]

Renal carcinoma, the third most common urological cancer, induces presence of metastases in 75% of cases. The most affected sites for metastasis are the lungs, the lymphatic system, bones, the liver, adrenal glands and the brain with sometimes a cancer free period of several years prior to evolutionary recurrence of the disease. The aim of this literature review is to report on secondary uncommon renal localizations by underlining their clinical significance, as well as main characteristics, in order to provide guidelines for effective patient diagnosis and therapeutic management.

The kidney, cancer, and the eye: current concepts

Herein, we review the associations between the kidney, renal cancers, and the eye. Renal cancers have been reported to metastasize to the eye and the orbit. As these tumors can be confused with other amelanotic or vascular tumors, a high index of suspicion is required for early detection and management of the primary tumor. We discuss the physiology of metastases, clinical features and management of metastatic disease. A variety of ocular anomalies have been associated with renal disease. Wilms tumor, a renal tumor of childhood, can present with aniridia, which may be the first clue leading to the diagnosis of the primary tumor. Paraneoplastic syndromes are common manifestations of renal cancers and can present as retinopathies and neuro-ophthalmic disorders. Multiple cancer syndromes involve both the eye and the kidney. For example, the diagnosis of von Hippel retinal tumors can lead to a systemic evaluation and discovery of associated visceral tumors. The prognosis, screening, and counseling of such patients is discussed. Newer systemic treatments available for renal tumors, such as interferon alfa, may lead to ocular side effects including retinopathy. These patients require periodic ophthalmic examinations. This review demonstrates the essential role of the ophthalmologist, for early diagnosis and treatment that can help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with kidney tumors and renal-associated disease.

Calvarial metastases as clinical presentation of renal cell carcinoma: report of two cases and review of the literature

Calvarium is a frequent target site of involvement for common neoplasms. Some cases of calvarial metastases have been reported in literature as secondary lesions from renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but only five cases have been described concerning calvarial mass as the first clinical presentation of this kind of tumor. In this report, we discuss the clinical aspects of two further cases we observed, in which the renal cell carcinoma was found thanks to the histological examination of a calvarial mass after surgery. We also briefly review the literature.

Multiple intramuscular metastases 15 years after radical nephrectomy in a patient with stage IV renal cell carcinoma

We report an 81-year-old man with late recurrent multiple metastases in skeletal muscles 15 years after radical nephrectomy was carried out for stage IV renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The tumors were located in the left triceps muscle and the brachioradial muscle. We performed surgical resections of both tumors, and histological analysis revealed that they were both metastatic RCC of the clear-cell type. In this case report, we discuss the characteristics and differential diagnosis of this tumor on magnetic resonance imaging, and we also refer to the rarity of muscle metastasis and the unpredictable tendency of this tumor to remain dormant for long periods.