Bilateral renal cell carcinoma in a child

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Nephrology
• Genetics

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare malignancy in children, accounting for 0.1-0.3% of pediatric tumors.
• Clear cell RCC is the most common histologic subtype of adult RCC but is exceptionally rare in pediatric cases.

Observation:

• This report presents the first documented case of bilateral renal clear cell carcinoma in a pediatric patient.
• The patient underwent bilateral partial nephrectomies for tumor removal.

Findings:

• Comprehensive genetic evaluation was performed to rule out hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Analysis focused on chromosomal deletions associated with renal cell carcinoma subtypes.
• The patient experienced no tumor recurrence during an 80-month follow-up period.
• Post-treatment renal function remained within normal limits.

Implications:

• This case highlights the possibility of bilateral clear cell RCC in pediatric patients, even without a family history.
• Successful management with partial nephrectomies preserves renal function, offering a potential therapeutic approach.
• Further research into the genetic underpinnings of pediatric clear cell RCC is warranted.