Renal cancer in adults. Review of 68 cases

The authors report a series of 68 cases of renal cancer observed over a 9-year period. Patients consisted of 33 women (49%) and 35 men (51%), with a mean age of 53 years (range: 23-85 years). The clinical features were polymorphic, dominated by loin pain (44%), haematuria (37%), a lumbar mass (19%), alteration of the general state (7%). The diagnosis was established by ultrasonography in 59 patients and CT-scan in 63 patients. The mean tumour diameter was 11 cm (4-22 cm) and two cases presented bilateral tumours. The time to diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 7 years. Staging reflected the advanced stage of the cancer. Treatment was surgical for 58 patients (58%). A lumbar incision was performed, in 40% of cases. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 82%, and partial nephrectomy was performed in 3% of patients. Histological examination of the specimen showed renal cell carcinoma in 75% of cases. The lymph nodes removed were invaded in 20% of cases. The mean follow-up was 29 months (6 to 84 months), normal at one year for 44 patients (86%) and at 5 years for 16 patients (31%). Tumour recurrence in the renal compartment was observed in 2 patients (4%). Asynchronous metastases occurred in 11 patients (21.5%) after 21 months. (range: 12-48 months). The overall 5-year survival was 100% T1, 69% T2 and 50% T3.