Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Discovered Following Pyothorax: A Case Report

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known for its heterogeneous clinical presentation and its potential for atypical metastatic spread. Thoracic manifestations are usually related to pulmonary or pleural metastases; however, presentation as pyothorax is exceedingly rare. We report the case of a patient in whom clear cell RCC was incidentally discovered during the etiological workup of a pyothorax. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with unusual presentations of RCC and emphasizes the importance of thorough etiological investigation in pleural infections with atypical features.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103633
Primary Topic
Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Discovered Following Pyothorax: A Case Report

Ali Barki, Achraf Benamou, Anouar El Moudane
Cureus
Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments
article

Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Discovered Following Pyothorax: A Case Report

Ali Barki, Achraf Benamou, Anouar El Moudane
article en

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known for its heterogeneous clinical presentation and its potential for atypical metastatic spread. Thoracic manifestations are usually related to pulmonary or pleural metastases; however, presentation as pyothorax is exceedingly rare. We report the case of a patient in whom clear cell RCC was incidentally discovered during the etiological workup of a pyothorax. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges associated with unusual presentations of RCC and emphasizes the importance of thorough etiological investigation in pleural infections with atypical features.

CureusVol. 18(2)
Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Mohammed VI d'Oujda (MA)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Infectious Disease Case Reports and Treatments
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