Incidentally detected squamous cell carcinoma in non-functioning kidney presenting as multi-cystic mass

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of urinary tract is a rarely encountered tumor. The incidence of this tumor is 1.4 per cent of all renal malignancies (1). We present a case of 52 years male with squamous cell carcinoma of renal pelvis, presenting as chronic pyelonephritis transforming the kidney into non-functioning multicystic cavitatory mass without any renal calculi. The case highlights the rarity of tumor in absence of calculi or any other predisposing factor. Moreover, histology of resected specimen detected features of SCC giving importance to careful and exhaustive assessment of specimen and of histologic sections, when there is no suspicion of malignancy clinically.

Incidence of renal carcinoma in non-functioning kidney due to renal pelvic stone disease

“…There are several reports published on bladder stones and SCC (15,16), although SCC associated with kidney stones appears to be less frequent (17). This may be due to the lack of stasis in the renal pelvis compared to the bladder (18).…”

“…Mathur et al (17) reported a case of renal SCC presenting as a multicystic mass. Verma et al (20) presented a case of SCC and kidney stones and reported the low incidence of this tumor in non-functioning kidneys.…”

Primary renal squamous cell carcinoma mimicking the renal cyst: a case report and review of the recent literature

“…It usually occurs in late adulthood and is reported of an equal incidence in men and women [ 5 ]. However, according to the recent literatures (Table 1 ), men bear a higher incidence of renal SCC, probably because of higher incidence of nephrolithiasis in men [ 2 , 6 – 20 ]. Long-standing nephrolithiasis and/or chronic pyelonephritis are the most common causes for renal SCC.…”

The Forgotten Complication of Recurrent Nephrolithiasis: “Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis”—A Case and Review of the Literature

“…Several stressors were reported to induce this malignant transformation and include nephrolithiasis, chronic urinary tract infection, renal tuberculosis, radiation therapy, percutaneous nephrostomy, immunosuppression, schistosomiasis, and vitamin A deficiency. Of these, the main risk factor almost constant in all reported cases of SCC of the renal pelvis is a history of long standing nephrolithiasis [ 6 , 7 ]. Due to the rarity of the SCC of the renal pelvis and the high occurrence of kidney stones in the general population, clear recommendations for follow-up of patients with history of nephrolithiasis seem too difficult to achieve.…”