Synchronous contralateral renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis: a case report and literature review

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the renal pelvis are not uncommon urological malignancies. However, simultaneous occurrence of RCC and UC in a patient is extraordinarily rare. We report a case of simultaneous contralateral renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis. The patient, a 72-year-old man, presented to our department with intermittent painless gross hematuria of 3 months duration. Radiologic examination revealed a solid mass in the right kidney and additionally another mass in the pelvis of the contralateral kidney with severe hydronephrosis. For the carcinoma of the pelvis, the patient chose radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff removal; for the renal cell carcinoma, the patient chose active surveillance. For follow-up during the surveillance period, we suggested computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging every 3 months in the first year, every 6 months in the next 2 years and every year thereafter. After 2 years, the patient is in good health and disease-free under strict surveillance. We discuss this rare occurrence and our management approach.