Massive renal pelvis urothelial carcinoma with invasion of the descending colon and cutaneous metastases: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Skin metastases and gastrointestinal tract involvement in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) are uncommon and associated with an adverse prognosis. This report details a case of extensive urothelial carcinoma originating from the renal pelvis, invading the descending colon, and presenting with cutaneous metastases. Case Report: A 63-year-old male patient visited the emergency department on the account of sudden onset of severe left upper abdominal pain and nausea. The computed tomography (CT) revealed soft tissue density at the mesentery adjacent to the left kidney with the involvement of the distal transverse colon. The patient underwent left radical nephroureterectomy, left hemicolectomy, and bladder cuff excision. Six weeks postoperatively, left inguinal cutaneous metastases, approximately 4 cm, were excised. Due to renal dysfunction, the patient received gemcitabine and carboplatin chemotherapy, followed by pembrolizumab for the cutaneous metastatic disease. Follow-up imaging showed no evidence of recurrence or metastasis 15 months postoperatively. Conclusion: In cases of advanced UTUC, a multidisciplinary approach combining surgical intervention, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can alleviate symptoms and potentially improve survival rates. This integrative treatment strategy highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex oncological cases.