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Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a late solitary renal cell cancer metastasis to the ipsilateral adrenal gland

  • Case Report
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Abstract

Background

Metastases to the adrenal gland are the second most common type of adrenal mass lesion after adrenocortical adenomas [1, 2]. However, less than 2% of those patients who develop a metachronous metastasis after resection of a primary renal tumour will present with a solitary adrenal tumour [3]. Most of these patients present within several years of the primary diagnosis [4].

Case report

A 66-year-old man with a history of left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma 18 years previously was investigated for recent weight loss. Computed tomography scanning identified a lesion in the ipsilateral adrenal gland. Hormonal investigations were consistent with a non-functioning mass. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans suggested a malignant lesion. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed without complication and histopathological examination confirmed metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The patient remains well with no evidence of recurrence at 6 months.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe, effective treatment in the treatment of late solitary renal cell cancer metastasis to the ipsilateral adrenal gland.

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Acknowledgments

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for the publication of this study. No source of funding has been declared by the authors.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Ward 6C, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, BT12 6AB, Northern Ireland, UK

    D. McGrogan, M. McCavert, M. E. O’Donnell & S. Dolan

  2. Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland, UK

    M. E. O’Donnell

Authors
  1. D. McGrogan
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  2. M. McCavert
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  3. M. E. O’Donnell
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  4. S. Dolan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. McCavert.

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McGrogan, D., McCavert, M., O’Donnell, M.E. et al. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a late solitary renal cell cancer metastasis to the ipsilateral adrenal gland. Ir J Med Sci 181, 435–437 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0662-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11845-010-0662-4

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