Renal cell carcinoma with simultaneous bilateral adrenal metastasis: Ipsilateral radical nephrectomy with contralateral adrenal preservation

Abstract

Although renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can metastasize to almost every organ, the most common metastatic sites are the lungs, abdomen, bones and brain. We present a rare case of a 72-year-old male with a large left RCC with simultaneous bilateral adrenal metastasis. In the process of surgical treatment, he underwent left radical nephrectomy with ipsilateral adrenalectomy. Due to the poor general condition of the patient, and also to prevent adrenal insufficiency, the right adrenal mass was preserved, without imposing any hazard to the patient. Systemic immunotherapy was initiated and the patient is still alive 1 year after surgery. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.