Renal Cell Carcinoma in Children: A Retrospective Research of 5 Cases and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a rare malignancy in children, comprising less than 5% of pediatric renal tumors. Its presentation, clinical course, and treatment outcomes differ significantly from those observed in adults, creating unique challenges in its diagnosis and management. This article presents a retrospective review of five pediatric renal cell carcinoma cases treated in our institution over the last decade. We discuss patient demographics, clinical presentation, pathology, treatment approaches, and outcomes, comparing our findings to existing literature.

Objectives: To present a retrospective review of five pediatric RCC cases treated at our institution over the past decade and to compare these findings with the existing literature.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with RCC from 2013 to 2024 at SKMCH and RC. Clinical, pathological, and treatment data were collected and analyzed.

Results: The cohort comprised five pediatric patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 10 years (range: 4-18 years). All patients underwent radical nephrectomy, with one receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Four patients achieved complete remission, while one developed metastasis and succumbed to the disease.

Conclusions: Pediatric RCC has distinct features compared to adult RCC. Early diagnosis and radical nephrectomy are crucial for a favorable outcome. Future research with larger sample sizes is needed to optimize treatment and long-term consequences.

Keywords: Carcinoma, Renal Cell, Nephrectomy, Retrospective Studies, Pediatric