Renal medullary carcinoma in an adolescent with sickle cell trait

We describe the complex presentation of a patient with renal medullary carc inoma, a newly described entity primarily affecting young patients with sic kle cell trait. Renal medullary carcinoma is an aggressive, rapidly destruc tive tumor associated with a delayed diagnosis and a poor outcome. The most common presenting signs and symptoms include hematuria, abdominal or flank pain, and weight loss. Sickle cell trait as the sole cause of hematuria in young black patients is a diagnosis of exclusion. Hemoglobin electrophores is, intravenous pyelography, and computed tomography scans should be the mi nimal studies performed in young black patients with hematuria.