Cytodiagnosis of cutaneous metastasis from renal cell carcinoma: A case report with review of literature

Abstract

Cytodiagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the absence of history of primary tumor is difficult as it can be confused with other clear cell tumors. We report here a case of cytodiagnosis of cutaneous metastasis of RCC in a patient who had nephrectomy done 9 years back at some other centre, but did not have any records with him. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of primary internal organ malignancy in patients presenting with cutaneous lesions and therefore conduct a careful examination and get necessary investigations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will have its bearing on the eventual outcome.

Keywords: Clear cell tumors; cutaneous metastasis; renal cell carcinoma.

Figure 1

Cells with low N/C ratio and indistinct cell borders, tending to form acini at places, pale foamy background (MGG, ×50)

Figure 2

Variable number of single cells, clusters of poorly cohesive large cells, low N/C ratio, bland chromatin, abundant pale cytoplasm with vacuoles, relatively indistinct cell borders, large nucleoli, intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions and vacuolated background (MGG, ×400)

Figure 3

Biopsy of the chest swelling showing metastatic RCC (H and E, ×100)