A Case of Renal Cell Carcinoma Invading the Inferior Vena Cava

Kang, Shin Tae; Kang, Hyun Soo; Hwang, Tae Gon; Chun, Choong Sung

Abstract

Involvement of the vena cava by direct vascular extension of renal cell carcinoma occurs in approximately 5% of patients undergoing nephrectomy for this neoplasm. While successful, removal of caval neoplastic thrombi has been reported occasionally, it has been general impression that renal cell carcinoma extending into the vena cava carried an extremely poor prognosis. A 45 years-old male patient was admitted with painless gross hematuria and palpable mass on fight upper quadrant. Surgical exploration was done through 10th thoracoabdominal incision. A right nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection were done for renal cell carcinoma. It was evident on palpation that the tumor was in the It was evident on palpation that the tumor was in the inferior vena cava Partial resection of the inferior vena cava and removal of intra vena cava thrombus were performed. This patient has led a normal life for 18 months following surgery without clinical evidence of tumor. And so, we were presented with review of the literature.