Renal cell carcinoma treatment during pregnancy: Histopathological findings suggestive of rapid tumor growth

Abstract

Introduction Diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy is rare. We report a case of renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy with rapid growth. Case presentation A 39‐year‐old woman presented to our hospital for treatment of renal tumor at 22 weeks gestation. The tumor had a cystic lesion with a partition and showed rapid growth from 28 mm to 32 mm over a period of 4 weeks. The tumor was diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma and an open partial nephrectomy was scheduled at 26 weeks gestation. The operation and perioperative course were successful. Pathological findings confirmed the tumor to be clear cell renal cell carcinoma with G2 > G3, Fuhrman grade 2, pT1a, negative surgical margin, and positive detection of progesterone receptor. Conclusion We reported the successful management of a patient who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy. We also had a suggested association between rapid growth tumor and progesterone based on histopathological analysis of the tumor.

Keywords

• partial nephrectomy
• pregnancy
• progesterone receptor
• renal cell carcinoma