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Renal cell carcinoma with cutaneous metastases
Cathy Lim1, Renee Chan, William Regan
1Department of Dermatology, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. shusan-lim@gmail.com
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology
|July 13, 2005
Summary
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma can present as unusual skin eruptions years after surgery. A high index of suspicion is crucial, as these cutaneous lesions may mimic other common skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant tumor originating in the kidney.
- Cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies are uncommon but can present diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- An 86-year-old male developed multiple facial, neck, lip, and ear papules four years post-nephrectomy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
- Recurrent cutaneous lesions appeared over three years, consistently diagnosed as metastatic RCC.
- Simultaneously, metastases to bone, lung, soft palate, and posterior leg were identified.
Findings:
- Biopsies of the skin lesions confirmed metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
- The case highlights an atypical presentation of disseminated RCC.
- Cutaneous metastases demonstrated varied morphology, mimicking other dermatological conditions.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering metastatic disease in patients with a history of renal cell carcinoma presenting with new skin lesions.
- A high index of clinical suspicion is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate management of cutaneous metastases.
- Dermatologists and oncologists should be aware of this unusual manifestation of renal cell carcinoma to avoid misdiagnosis.