Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the scalp: case report and review of the literature

Dermatol Surg. 2001 Feb;27(2):192-4. doi: 10.1046/j.1524-4725.2001.00115.x.

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma metastatic to the skin is rare.

Objective: To illustrate by a case report the clinical presentation and management of the disease.

Methods: We present a case of renal carcinoma metastatic to the skin of the scalp that occurred 6 years after removal of her kidney. The tumor was diagnosed using frozen tissue and paraffin sections.

Results: Cutaneous metastasis treated by excision.

Conclusion: Renal cell carcinoma may metastasize to the skin of the scalp. Our case illustrated an interesting ipsilateral metastasis that occurred 6 years after treatment of her primary tumor. Physicians, dermatologists, pathologists, and Mohs surgeons should be aware of this entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Scalp*
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery