Challenges in diagnosing renal squamous cell carcinoma: a case report with emphasis on histopathology

TL;DR

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma in the kidney and emphasizes the importance of histopathology in accurate diagnosis.

Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare case of primary renal squamous cell carcinoma with a focus on its histopathological diagnosis.

Findings

A 60-year-old male was diagnosed with moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney.

The tumor's unusual location in the renal pelvis underscores the need for careful differential diagnosis.

Complete right nephrectomy was performed following the diagnosis.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the primary renal pelvis is an exceptionally rare tumor. It can often lead to infection, persistent discomfort, and nephrolithiasis. It is uncommon in the renal pelvis; instead, it usually occurs in the transitional epithelium of the urinary tract. Here, we report the case of a 60-year-old male who presented with a standing history of pain and tenderness over the right hypochondrium. A large, solid cystic lesion was noted in the right kidney during the imaging study. A moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the kidney was diagnosed on histopathology. A complete right nephrectomy was performed. Although the primary SCC of the kidney is rare, the uncommon location of this type of tumor emphasizes the case's relevance, and it should be taken into account when making a differential diagnosis of renal tumors.

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