Renal cell carcinoma - a local experience

A review of 23 cases of renal cell carcinoma was undertaken. The sex distribution was 3.6 males to 1 female, the male preponderance being higher than in most reported series. The tumour was most common in the 6th and 7th decades of life. Haematuria was the commonest presenting symptom (52.2%); however, all the features of the classical triad of haematuria, loin pain and swelling were not present in any of our patients; 26% of patients presented with non-urological symptoms. At the time of diagnosis, four patients (17.3%) had evidence of metastasis. Another four developed secondaries after nephrectomy. Our approach to renal cell carcinoma has been aggressive and all 23 patients including those with metastasis were treated by nephrectomy.