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Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Pancreas: Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects

  • Chapter
Clinical Management of Renal Tumors

Abstract

Metastatic RCC involving the pancreas is uncommon. In selected patients however, it can produce with a variety of findings and symptoms, including diabetes mellitus and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. CT scan remains the most common modality used for diagnosis of this complication. Surgical resection of isolated pancreatic metastases from renal cell carcinoma may result in prolonged survival for highly selected patients. Even in patients with unresectable pancreatic metastases, the median survival may be prolonged with indolent disease present. Although the patient numbers are relatively small, data suggest that development of pancreatic metastases occurs only in clear cell RCC, may not impact negatively on survival, and is associated with an indolent disease growth pattern and widespread metastatic disease. These factors may influence the ultimate choice of therapy, suggesting that systemic approach should be considered in most instances.

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Al-Hazzouri, A., Herts, B.R., Bukowski, R.M. (2008). Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastatic to the Pancreas: Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects . In: Bukowski, R.M., Novick, A.C. (eds) Clinical Management of Renal Tumors. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-149-3_28

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