# Rapidly Progressing Renal Cell Carcinoma With Unexpected Inferior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus

## TL;DR

A patient with kidney cancer unexpectedly developed a tumor thrombus in the inferior vena cava, highlighting the need for vigilance during surgery.

## Contribution

Highlights the rapid progression of tumor thrombus in renal cell carcinoma, urging surgeons to be cautious.

## Key findings

- A tumor thrombus was unexpectedly found during surgery for renal cell carcinoma.
- The patient's condition deteriorated rapidly with metastases and death within two months.

## Abstract

We report here a case of RCC without preoperative tumor thrombus that had progressed to RCC with IVC tumor thrombus.

A 75‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital. Contrast‐enhanced CT showed a 50‐mm mass in the right kidney with an indistinct border, contrast in the early phase and washout in the late phase. RARN was attempted for RCC. Intraoperatively, a tumor thrombus was unexpectedly observed. We converted to open surgery, and the right kidney and tumor thrombus were removed. Postoperative lymphorrhea was observed, but the patient recovered without any problems. Lung and bone metastases subsequently appeared, and the patient died 2 months later.

Surgeons should keep in mind that a tumor thrombus can grow rapidly before performing surgery for renal cell carcinoma.