Clostridial infection of renal cell carcinoma

We report a case of a large gas-filled clostridial abscess in a previously unrecognized renal cell carcinoma. Neoplastic tissue has a nonhomogeneous blood supply, creating areas of hypoxia and reduced glucose concentrations, which lead to tumor necrosis and an environment conducive to the growth of anaerobic organisms. Anaerobic infection should be considered in any patient with carcinoma and fever. Conversely, abscess transformation of a tumor can be the explanation for what otherwise seems to be the spontaneous development of a parenchymal abscess.