Solitary brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma 15 years after nephrectomy - Case report

A 77-year-old man presented with a metastatic brain tumor 15 years after nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma. Neurological examination showed recent memory disturbance and slight right hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a round well-demarcated mass extending from the left thalamus to the left trigone of the lateral ventricle. Preoperative angiography showed tumor staining. Surgery was performed by opening the inferior temporal sulcus. Only biopsy could be performed because of extensive bleeding from the tumor. Histological examination identified metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Gamma knife surgery was performed which resulted in resolution of his hemiparesis. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma should be considered even if nephrectomy was performed 10 or more years before presentation.