[Small cell carcinoma of the kidney. A case report]

We report a case of small cell carcinoma of the kidney in a 61-year-old female. Chief complaints were left lumbago, gross hematuria and high fever. The computed tomography revealed a large invasive tumor in the left renal pelvis with renal pedicle lymph nodes swelling. Systemic chemotherapy with methotrexate, vinblastine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (M-VAC) showed a considerable effect and left nephrectomy was performed. But she died within 3 months postoperatively. Histologically, the tumor was composed of hyperchromatic small cells with increased N/C ratio. Immunohistochemical studies revealed positive staining for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, NSE, EMA, cytokeratin, and argyrophilic (Grimelius) silver impregnation stain. Electron microscopy revealed neurosecretory granules also. In conclusion, the present case was diagnosed as small cell carcinoma of the kidney with only 12 similar cases reported in the world literature.