Gastric metastasis from renal cell carcinoma 12 years after right radical nephrectomy

Abstract

Gastric metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after nephrectomy is unusual, and few cases have been reported, with a mean duration of 6.9 years from the diagnosis of RCC to gastric metastasis. We report a case of gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient who received right radical nephrectomy for RCC 12 years ago. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy found an ulcerative mass, and metastatic RCC was finally diagnosed via histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry staining. RCC usually metastasizes to the lung, lymph nodes, and bone. It rarely metastasizes to the stomach, and there is no specific symptom despite gastric metastasis. Early detection of gastric metastasis should be conducted due to a lack of effective systemic therapy for RCC. In conclusion, endoscopic survey is recommended for patients of RCC with any suspicious symptoms, including epigastric pain, dyspepsia, decreasing appetite, hematemesis, melena, or anemia.