Adult Renal Cell Carcinoma – Rare - Acquired Cystic Disease Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: Review and Update

Abstract

For more than twenty-three years ago acquired cystic kidney disease had become increasingly recognised as a significant risk in patients who have end-stage kidney disease, especially in those patients who are maintained on chronic haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. A review of the global literature had suggested that nearly fifty percent (50%) of patients who have been undergoing dialysis for more than 3 years do develop kidney cystic changes. The major complications emanating from this condition include neoplasia and spontaneous kidney haemorrhage. The risk for the development of carcinoma of the kidney had been estimated to be more than 30 times higher in dialysis patients with cystic changes in comparison with in the general population. Acquired cystic kidney disease has become increasingly recognised as a significant risk in patients with end-stage renal disease, especially in those maintained on chronic haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. A review of the literature indicates that nearly 50% of patients on dialysis for more than 3 years develop renal cystic changes. The major complications of this condition are neoplasia and spontaneous renal haemorrhage. The risk of developing renal carcinoma has been estimated to be more than 30 times higher in dialysis patients with cystic changes than in the general population. It is important for clinicians all over the world to be aware of the possibility of patients undergoing medium to long-term dialysis developing cystic renal disease ensued by the development of malignant kidney disease. Careful surveillance of dialysis patients utilizing yearly ultrasound scan of renal tract and computed tomography would be recommended for the regular and careful follow-up assessment of patients who are undergoing medium-term to medium-term for chronic kidney disease. Various aspects related to cystic kidney disease associated malignant tumour disease has been discussed in the ensuing article to update information related to the diagnosis, management and outcome of the tumour.