Gastric Polyps as a Rare Presentation of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Hiba Suliman1*, AlHassan Al Saadi 2, Muhammad Rehman3, Huda Khan4, Faisal Nawaz5
1Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Royal Albert Edrward Infirmary, UK.
2Internal Medicine Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, UK.
3General Medicine Tweed Valley Hospital Northern NSW LHD, Australia.
4Medical Services, Tertiary Care Hospital Nishtar-II Pakistan.
5Gastroenterology Grange University Hospital, UK.
*Corresponding Author: Hiba Suliman, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, United Kingdom.
https://doi.org/10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.020
Received: October 11, 2025
Published: October 29, 2025
Citation: Suliman H, Al Saadi AH, Rehman M, Khan H, Nawaz F. “Gastric Polyps as a Rare Presentation of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma. SVOA Medical Research 2025, 3:5, 177-180. doi: 10.58624/SVOAMR.2025.03.020
Abstract
Metastatic renal cell carcinoma is notorious for metastasizing to unusual sites, but gastric involvement is exceedingly rare. We report here a case of metastatic renal cancer presenting as suspicious looking gastric polyps to emphasize the importance of considering metastatic disease in the differentials of gastric lesions, especially where there is a background of malignant disease. A lady in her sixties presented with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms on a background of radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma which was carried out many years ago. Computed Tomography imaging demonstrated bilateral pulmonary nodules, pancreatic lesions, a gastric hyper density, and an enlarged thyroid gland with multiple enhancing nodules. Differentials included metastatic disease. An urgent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed which showed few gastric polyps. These were biopsied. Pancreatic lesions were also biopsied using endoscopic ultrasound. Histopathological analysis confirmed all the lesions as metastatic deposits from the previously treated renal cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for PAX-8 and CD10 markers, supporting renal origin. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive histological evaluation including the crucial role of immunohistochemical staining in work-up for malignancy and metastasis. This is especially true when there is a history of an oncological issue. Although rare, renal cell carcinoma can metastasize to the stomach and present as polyps. Timely recognition with a low threshold of suspicion can lead to timely appropriate management which can positively impact patient outcome.
Keywords: Renal Cell Carcinoma, Gastric Metastasis, Immunohistochemical Staining, Metachronous Metastasis