Cutaneous metastasis as the first sign of renal cell carcinoma – crossroad between literature analysis and own observations

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic disease can be observed in nearly 25% of all renal cell carcinoma cases (RCC). This can present in the skin as a late symptom of the disease or as a manifestation of an undetected, asymptomatic RCC. AIM: To review the literature and present a case study of cutaneous metastasis in primary genitourinary malignancy, especially RCC in order to broaden the related knowledge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first stage of our work was focused on presenting the results of the literature review about cutaneous metastasis in the patients with renal cell carcinoma. Next, taking into account that this type of metastasis associated with RCC is relatively rare, we have decided to present a patient aged 68 with incidentally detected skin metastases of RCC located on the scalp. RESULTS: It was diagnosed as a primary manifestation of advanced disease. Computed tomography scans showed a solid mass in the left kidney. Following surgical excision of the skin lesion, a left-side nephrectomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Cutaneous metastases of RCC present an unfavourable prognosis, however, remission is possible subsequent to early diagnosis and appropriate surgical excision.