Primary renal well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors with lymph node metastasis: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors of the kidney are rare and generally less aggressive than renal cell carcinoma, although metastasis is still present at the time of diagnosis. Surgical resection remains the preferred treatment, even in cases with lymph node metastases.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 38-year-old female with a right renal WDNET and lymph node metastasis who underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with lymphadenectomy. Pathological examination confirmed metastasis in 9 out of 11 lymph nodes. Immunohistochemistry results were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin, with a Ki-67 index of less than 10%. No recurrence was observed after 36 months.

Conclusion

Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors are rare, with non-specific clinical and imaging characteristics, requiring immunohistochemical analysis for diagnosis. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and long-term follow-up is essential.