Rare intrathoracic metastases of renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can often metastasize to bone, liver and lung, but unusual metastasis may also occur. However, intrathoracic extrapulmonary metastases are rarely being reported. Because RCC is chemo- and radioresistant tumor, early diagnosis of the disease is essential and complete resection of the tumor can provide longer cancer-free survival and better quality of life. We aimed to draw attention to the importance of excision of intrathoracic extrapulmonary metastasis, particularly in asymptomatic patients who had previously undergone radical nephrectomy for RCC. Clinicians should be cautious that delay in the diagnosis of atypical metastasis is associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and management of unusual localization of a solitary RCC metastasis are of paramount importance for cancer-free survival and better quality of life. Our aim was to report very rare intrathoracic metastases of renal tumors and to discuss their management. We also needed to report that the early diagnosis of such atypical metastases would contribute to patient survival as presented in this report.