Abstract

Late recurrence of RCC was described as developing local recurrence or distant metastasis with a latency period of more than 10 years after nephrectomy. The rate of late recurrence after nephrectomy ranges from 4.7% to 11%. Here we report the case of a 54 year-old white female with RCC who developed brain metastasis 16 years after nephrectomy. Gross total resection of intracranial tumor was performed. Histologic examination and immunohistochemical profile of the primary renal tumor and metastatic cranial tumor showed identical morphology and immunophenotype. She was treated with gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery. Postoperatively, the patient received interferon. Long term surveillance in RCC could be important for earlier detection of recurrence and provide chance for surgical resection. Future studies and long follow up are needed to identify risk factors for late recurrence in patients with RCC.