Renal Medullary Carcinoma is a Diagnosis Worth Considering: Case Report

Abstract

Medullary Renal Carcinoma is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm that originates in the renal medulla and typically affects young black patients with sickle cell trait. We report the case of a 17-year-old boy with a symptomatic left renal tumour. CT revealed that the mass originated from the kidney and was associated with a large para-aortic lymph node mass. Hemoglobin electrophoresis showed sickle cell trait and a needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Renal Medullary Carcinoma. We discuss the obscurity and implications of such a diagnosis. It is essential that clinicians are aware of this diagnosis as any delay can be fatal in the outcome of this highly aggressive and extremely rare cancer.




World J Oncol. 2010;1(4):176-178
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/wjon222w