An unusual case of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombosis of the proximal ureter

Renal cell carcinoma with intra-operatively identified encapsulated intra-luminal tumour extension throughout the entire ureter

“…Following literature review, only six previous case reports have been identified. 2–7 These reports do however describe similar histological characteristics. All cases appear to involve extensive pelvicalyceal and renal sinus involvement with an absence of urothelial invasion.…”

“…Direct intra-luminal spread down the ureter via the pelvicalyceal collecting system is an uncommon event published only in previous case reports. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Due to its uncommon nature, little is known regarding prognostic role of ureteric involvement of RCC, however urinary collecting system invasion has been shown to be significant. 8,9 This has resulted in pelvicalyceal invasion becoming included in the 2018 American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) RCC staging classification as pT3a disease.…”

“…10 Terminology regarding intra-ureteric tumour extension requires clearer definition with a distinction to be made from the misnomer ‘tumour thrombus’ as described in existing case reports which should be replaced instead with ‘encapsulated intra-luminal tumour extension’. 2–7…”