Branched, struvite calculus and clear cell carcinoma in same kidney. Rare condition with significant implications for...

The concomitant existence of a branched (partial staghorn) calculus and clear cell carcinoma (hypernephroma) in the same kidney is rare. Herein, we report the eighth such case in the world literature, and to our knowledge, the first patient with a parenchymal tumor identified preoperatively. In all of the previous 7 cases, the calculus was managed with open renal exploration, and only at the time of surgery was the incidental renal cell carcinoma identified; the surgical procedure was modified accordingly. With open surgery no longer the cornerstone of therapy for renal calculi, it is imperative that the kidney be evaluated in a meticulous and compulsive manner prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL). The finding of a coexisting renal cell carcinoma will radically alter the patient's treatment.