Synchronous renal pelvis carcinoma associated with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) is often associated with an increased risk of developing subsequent neoplasms of epithelial and mesenchymal origin. Coincidence of CLL/SLL and urothelial carcinoma (UC) is very rare. Herein, we report a case of synchronous renal pelvis carcinoma with SLL. CASE SUMMARY: A 78-year-old man presented with the complaint of terminal painless gross hematuria for the past 2 mo. On physical examination, enlarged lymph nodes were palpable in the cervical and axillary regions. The patient’s peripheral blood film was normal. He had a significant smoking history for the past 50 years. Cystoscopy revealed bleeding in the left upper urinary tract. Abdominal computed tomography imaging demonstrated a left renal pelvis tumor. The patient underwent laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy. Histopathology revealed left renal pelvis high-grade invasive papillary UC and SLL involving the kidney and bone marrow. Renal pelvis lymphatic tissue and lymphocytes were positive for CD5, CD20, and CD23. In addition, the following results were obtained: CD3 (-), Ki-67 (30%+), Bcl-2 (+), Bcl-6 (+), CD10 (-), and CD79a (+). Moreover, no UC metastasis was observed in the lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: This is the first case of coincident CLL/SLL and upper tract UC in the literature. Cancer patients with lymphadenopathies should always be investigated to rule out the possibility of synchronous or metachronous malignancy.