Traumatic rupture of a renal cell carcinoma

After sustaining very minor trauma, a man presented with flank pain and fever. A complete clinical and radiological evaluation led to exploration for suspected ruptured renal carbuncle with perinephric abscess. A ruptured renal cell carcinoma was found. Differential diagnostic considerations include renal tumor, abscess, cyst, and hydronephrotic kidney. Radical nephrectomy is indicated if the contralateral kidney can sustain life. The patient shows no sign of recurrence or metastases 4 months following antibiotic treatment and nephrectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation of the renal bed.