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

Abstract

BackgroundRenal squamous cell carcinoma is a rare neoplasm with poor prognosis. Chronic irritation from nephrolithiasis and/or pyelonephritis is the leading cause.Case presentationWe described a 51-year-old male patient who was admitted because of left flank pain. Ultrasonography showed a renal cyst containing calculus. However, contrast-enhanced ultrasonography and CT scan revealed an irregular-shaped mass derived from a calculi-containing cyst. Ultrasound guided biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of renal squamous cell carcinoma. The patient refused any further therapeutic management and died six months later.ConclusionsOur present case emphasizes that the careful diagnostic work-up and use of multiple imaging modalities in cases of unusual renal calculi is quite necessary, since they may carry the risk of co-existing hidden malignancy.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal parenchyma presenting as hydronephrosis: a case report and review of the recent literature

“…No less than 15 literature references have reported SCC of the renal pelvis in the recent 5 years, and a current review of the literature could identify only 5 literature references concerning SCC of the renal parenchyma [2][3][4][5][6][7] (Table 1). Until recently, SCC of the renal pelvis was regarded as urothelium metaplasia [7][8][9], however, the histological origin and mechanism of renal parenchyma SCC remains unknown. It probably originates from convoluted tubules or undifferentiated stem cells of the renal mesenchyme.…”

A Very Rare Case of Primary Renal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting With Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis on Radiological Imaging

“…In addition, the pyelogastric fistula may have led to the dissemination of the carcinoma from the upper pole to the kidney to the gastrum of the stomach and duodenum, suggestive of primary renal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), especially given the staghorn calculus. Long-term irritation and inflammation induced by staghorn calculi provide a nidus of the cellular changes to metaplasia, dysplasia, and eventually to neoplasia [1,8]. Patients with renal SCC can present with diverse and non-specific radiologic findings, including an irregular solid mass, hydronephrosis, calcifications, and renal pelvic infiltrative lesions without detecting a distinct mass.…”

Renal squamous cell carcinoma mimicking xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis: Case report and review of literature

“…It can present as infiltrative soft tissue in the renal pelvis without evidence of a distinct mass [1] . Solid-cystic masses have been described [6] . More specific findings on imaging would be enhancing extraluminal and exophytic mass [7] .…”