Introduction: Although many studies have reported that upper urinary tract stones in patients with nonfunctioning kidneys are associated with malignancy, the incidence and frequency of the tumor cell type remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the percentage of malignancies present in patients with nonfunctional kidneys who underwent nephrectomy. Materials and Methods: From July 1995 to December 2005, we reviewed a total of 47 patients who underwent nephrectomy to treat a nonfunctional kidney due to urolithiasis with clinical symptoms such as complicated chronic infection. Pathology revealed malignancies in 24 patients. Relationships between clinical presentations and malignancy were analyzed. Results: Malignancy was diagnosed in 24 patients after nephrectomy. Image studies revealed possible malignancy in only 7 patients before surgery. A high incidence (17/24) of transitional cell carcinoma was noted. The remaining malignancies included 5 renal cell carcinomas, 1 squamous cell carcinoma and 1 epidermoid carcinoma. There were 5 deaths during the follow-up interval. Conclusions: There is a high incidence of malignancy associated with nonfunctional kidney caused by stone disease. We suggest careful examination of the pathological specimens from nephrectomy for nonfunctional kidney regardless of clinical manifestations.

Keywords:
Nonfunctional kidney, Renal cell carcinoma, Renal stone, Squamos cell carcinoma, Transitional cell carcinoma
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel
2007
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.