Synchronous sigmoid and caecal cancers together with a primary renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND

Multiple primary neoplasms, a common clinical entity, can be classified as synchronous or metachronous. Renal cell carcinoma, in particular, is associated with a high rate of multiple primary neoplasms.

METHODS

We report a case of a 67-year-old Caucasian woman, who was admitted with history of bleeding per rectum. We conducted a literature review of metachronous and synchronous multiple primary neoplasms.

RESULTS

Colonoscopy revealed a 3 cm tumour in the caecum and a small sigmoid tubulovillous polyp. Staging computed tomography showed a non-enhancing mass in the upper pole of the right kidney. Following a radical nephrectomy/right hemicolectomy, microscopy demonstrated a renal cell carcinoma. Follow-up colonoscopy visualised a mucosal irregularity at the site of the previous sigmoid polyp, with biopsies confirming invasive adenocarcinoma. Patient underwent a total colectomy with an ileo-rectal anastamosis.

CONCLUSION

Multiple primary neoplasms are a well-recognised clinical entity. This report emphasises the need for a comprehensive evidence-based work-up in all cancer cases, especially when dealing with renal cell carcinoma, to look for coexisting metachronous/synchronous primary neoplasms.