# Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Discovered Following Pyothorax: A Case Report

**Authors:** Achraf Benamou, Anouar El Moudane, Ali Barki

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103633 · Cureus · 2026-02-14

## TL;DR

A rare case where kidney cancer was found during the investigation of a chest infection called pyothorax.

## Contribution

Reports a rare case of renal cell carcinoma discovered during pyothorax investigation.

## Key findings

- Clear cell RCC was incidentally discovered during pyothorax workup.
- Unusual presentations of RCC pose diagnostic challenges.
- Thorough investigation is crucial for atypical pleural infections.

## Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known for its heterogeneous clinical presentation and its potential for atypical metastatic spread. Thoracic manifestations are usually related to pulmonary or pleural metastases; however, presentation as pyothorax is exceedingly rare. We report the case of a patient in whom clear cell RCC was incidentally discovered during the etiological workup of a pyothorax. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with unusual presentations of RCC and emphasizes the importance of thorough etiological investigation in pleural infections with atypical features.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Renal cell carcinoma (MONDO:0005086)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** metastases (MESH:D009362), pleural (MESH:D010995), Pyothorax (MESH:D016724), RCC (MESH:D002292)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12993430/full.md

## References

11 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12993430/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12993430