OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of survival and results of treatment of renal cell carcinoma. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 229 consecutive cases of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed at our hospital. In 178 surgical treatment was done to achieve cure and in 6 patients it was palliative. RESULTS: No statistical differences in survival were found according to the surgical approach, or extensive vs hilar lymphadenectomy, or in the presence or absence of venous involvement. There were statistical differences in survival depending on the tumor stage and an inverse correlation between survival and tumor size. Sixty-nine cases received complementary treatments. Radiotherapy, alpha 2b interferon and vinblastine, resection of metastasis, or gestagen therapy failed to improve survival. No improvement in survival was achieved with palliative embolization, but it ameliorated local symptoms. The mean survival in patients with metastasis and without treatment was 5.5 months and there was no statistical difference in survival relative to the number of site of metastasis, or the number of affected viscera. The mean survival in patients that were not operated and had no metastasis was greater: 23.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery, regardless of the surgical approach or type of lymphadenectomy, is the only treatment that improves survival in renal cell carcinoma. Patients with metastasis receiving no treatment have a worse prognosis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Malignant bilateral pheochromocytoma and von Recklinghausen disease].

OBJECTIVES: To review the main features of malignant pheochromocytoma and its relationship to von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. METHODS/RESULTS: We report on a case of malignant bilateral pheochromocytoma with hepatic and pulmonary metastasis, associated with von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. Surgery achieved good results and the patient is well seven years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 10% of the pheochromocytomas are malignant and treatment is principally by surgery. (131) metaiodobenzylguanidine may be useful in cases with metastasis, residual tumor or local relapse.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Disk kidney. Report of a case].

Crossed fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a rare anomaly, the incidence of which is estimated in one case per 700-1,000 births. We present here one case of Disk Kidney, an uncommon variant of CFRE, diagnosed in a female adult patient. Fused renal congenital anomalies are reviewed and the etiologies and presentation forms commented.

Female↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Granulomatous prostatitis. Review of 22 cases].

Granulomatous prostatitis is an uncommon inflammatory process of the prostate, which can be caused by a variety of infectious agents or be part of a systemic allergic condition. In most cases, origin is unspecific. Clinical presentation, treatment and evolution are similar to those of benign prostatic hypertrophy and, in many cases, can only be distinguished from prostate carcinoma in the histological study. The authors present in this paper the results and conclusions of a retrospective study of 22 cases of granulomatous prostatitis.

Granuloma↗