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Medical Science Optional daily answer writing practice for CSE 2024 – Jan 26

Topic: Renal mass,cancer Prostate.

Question: A 40 yr old male presented with a history of
hematuria and dragging discomfort in left loin.On abdominal examination it was found that he has left sided renal lump with varicocele. Discuss the differential diagnosis and investigations of the above mentioned condition. Mention the treatment of left sided Renal Cell Carcinoma.

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The presentation of hematuria, dragging discomfort in the left loin, and the presence of a left-sided renal lump with varicocele raises concerns about possible underlying conditions, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and other renal-related issues. Here’s a discussion of the differential diagnosis, investigations, and treatment considerations for the given clinical scenario:

Differential Diagnosis:

  1. Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC):
    • RCC is a primary consideration given the clinical presentation. It is a type of kidney cancer that can cause hematuria and present as a renal mass.
  2. Renal Angiomyolipoma (AML):
    • AML is a benign tumor that can also present as a renal mass. It may be associated with varicoceles in some cases.
  3. Renal Cyst:
    • Simple renal cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the kidney. While they are usually benign, large cysts can cause discomfort and, in some cases, may be associated with hematuria.
  4. Renal Abscess:
    • Infections within the kidney can lead to the formation of abscesses, causing pain and discomfort.
  5. Renal Infarction:
    • Reduced blood supply to the kidney can result in infarction, leading to pain and sometimes hematuria.

Investigations:

  1. Imaging Studies:
    • Ultrasound: Initial imaging may show a renal mass and help evaluate its characteristics.
    • CT Scan or MRI: These provide detailed images of the kidney, allowing assessment of the size, location, and features of the renal mass. CT scans are commonly used for staging.
  2. Renal Function Tests:
    • Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): These blood tests assess kidney function and help determine the overall health of the kidneys.
  3. Urinalysis:
    • Examination of urine for the presence of red blood cells, which can confirm hematuria.
  4. Renal Biopsy:
    • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or Core Biopsy: If imaging studies are inconclusive or malignancy is suspected, a biopsy may be performed to obtain tissue for pathological examination.
  5. Chest X-ray or CT Scan:
    • To check for the presence of metastasis, especially to the lungs.
  6. Bone Scan:
    • If there are symptoms or suspicion of bone involvement, a bone scan may be conducted to check for metastasis to the bones.

Treatment of Left-Sided Renal Cell Carcinoma:

The treatment of left-sided RCC involves a multidisciplinary approach, and the specific management plan depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the extent of disease. Common treatment options may include:

  1. Surgery:
    • Radical nephrectomy: Surgical removal of the entire affected kidney and surrounding tissues.
    • Partial nephrectomy: Removal of only the tumor and a portion of healthy tissue.
  2. Targeted Therapies:
    • Drugs that target specific pathways involved in cancer growth may be used, especially in advanced or metastatic cases.
    • Sunitinib (Sutent): A tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, slowing down cancer cell growth and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.
    • Pazopanib (Votrient): Another tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the VEGF receptor pathway.
    • Cabozantinib (Cabometyx): Inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including VEGF receptors.
  3. Immunotherapy:
    • Immunotherapeutic agents that stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
    • Nivolumab (Opdivo) and Ipilimumab (Yervoy): These are immune checkpoint inhibitors that enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
    • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda): Another immune checkpoint inhibitor that may be used in certain cases.
  4. Radiation Therapy:
    • In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to target and destroy cancer cells.
  5. Clinical Trials:
    • Participation in clinical trials may be considered for certain cases, especially in advanced stages of RCC.

The choice of treatment will be determined by the oncology team based on the individual patient’s condition and the characteristics of the cancer. Early detection and prompt intervention are crucial for improving outcomes in renal cell carcinoma.

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