Bilateral transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with unilateral non-functioning kidney.

A case is presented of bilateral transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis with extension of the tumor to involve the renal parenchyma bilaterally. Unilateral complete absence of function was demonstrated and pathological study correlated the absence of function with complete replacement and destruction of the renal parenchyma by transitional cell tumor. Segmental absence of function of the contralateral kidney is also correlated pathologically with complete replacement of the involved renal segment with tumor. Total replacement of renal parenchyma by transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis should be considered in the evaluation of renal non-function.