Renal Medullary Carcinoma in an Adolescent With Unknown Sickle Cell Trait

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is an aggressive and rare malignancy that usually presents in adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease. Herein, we describe a case of a white male with an unknown sickle cell trait, who presented with left iliac fossa pain, without any other finding that suggested renal neoplasia. Imaging findings were a renal mass of central location with caliectasis, renal hilar adenopathy, and paraaortic lymphadenopathy. Biopsy confirmed an RMC diagnosis. RMC diagnosis requires clinical suspicion in sickle cell patients who present with pain and hematuria. Imaging shows a central mass, with an infiltrative appearance, frequently associated with calyx’s dilation and lymphadenopathy. Prognosis is poor in spite of the treatment.