Recurrent epistaxis as manifestation of renal cell carcinoma sinonasal metastasis

Abstract

Introduction. Renal cell carcinoma is the most frequent infraclavicular primary tumor metastasizing in the sinonasal region, although these metastases are not common. We present an unusual case of recurrent epistaxis as the initial sign of renal carcinoma sinonasal metastasis and discuss the diagnostic and treatment options. Case outline. A 66-year-old patient was admitted to the hospital due to recurrent and severe epistaxis. The patient underwent nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma, with no signs of relapse during a three-year follow-up. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography revealed a large mass in nasal cavity, spreading to the anterior and posterior ethmoid cells, sphenoid sinus, orbit, and anterior cranial fossa. Definite diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma metastasis in sinonasal region was made by a pathologist after biopsy and further radiological examination showed no signs of malignant disease in the abdomen, thorax, or pelvis. Although the patient had received 50 Gy of radiation therapy, the malignant disease was evaluated as progressive with further extension in anterior cranial fossa and maxilla, and the patient died five months after the occurrence of epistaxis. Conclusion. In patients with recurrent epistaxis who also had a history of renal carcinoma, endoscopic finding of tumefaction in the nasal cavity should raise a suspicion of sinonasal metastasis. In such cases, biopsy is mandatory to differentiate a metastasis from primary sinonasal tumors. Histological confirmation should be followed by radiological examination of the abdomen, thorax, and pelvis to evaluate the possibility of renal cell carcinoma recurrence or metastatic dissemination elsewhere.