PANCREATIC METASTASIS FROM RENAL CELL CARCINOMA EIGHT YEARS AFTER NEPHRECTOMY

• Published in: Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) Vol. 62; no. 11; pp. 2799 - 2803
• Main Authors: KOMODA, Hiroshi, YAMASAKI, Yoshio, FUKUI, Yuichi, KOU, Taihei, KOBAYASHI, Yasushi, KUWATA, Keiji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan Surgical Association 2001
• ISSN: 1345-2843; 1882-5133
• DOI: 10.3919/jjsa.62.2799

Metastasis from renal cell carcinoma to the lung, liver and bone are common, but the pancreas is an uncommon metastatic site. We report the resection of a pancreatic metastasis from a renal cell carcinoma eight years after a nephrectomy. A 75-year-old woman underwent a left nephrectomy in December 1990. Eight years later, she was referred to our hospital with a pancreatic tumor, measuring 4×2cm in diameter on abdominal CT. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed the compression of the common bile duct and the abrupt occlusion of the main pancreatic duct. Blood hormonel levels were within normal limits, except for somatostatin. From the above findings, a pancreatic metastasis from renal cell carcinoma was suspected, and a laparotomy was performed in March 1999. Ascites or peritoneal dissemination were not observed during the operation, and a pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The pathological findings of the specimen showed a clear cell subtype carcinoma that closely resembled the previously resected renal cell carcinoma. The patient made an uneventful postoperative recovery and is doing well, with no evidence of recurrence.