Renal medullary carcinoma

Renal medullary carcinoma is an epithelial malignant tumor arising from collecting duct epithelium. The tumor is almost exclusive to young black patients with the sickle cell hemoglobinopathies, mainly sickle cell trait (SCT). Most patients present with metastatic disease and have a worse prognosis. An African-American male with sickle cell disease (HbSCD) who was diagnosed to have renal medullary carcinoma is presented here. The clinical, histologic and radiologic features of this tumor are described. In the setting of advanced disease, treatment modalities have proved largely unsuccessful. Given the shared demographic, clinical and radiographic features of these patients, awareness and early diagnosis may prove essential in improving survival.