Bronchoscopic aspects of renal cell carcinoma (RCC)

A symposium on RCC in July 1998 in Tubingen was where we to reviewed our pa tients with endobronchial metastatic RCC treated by bronchoscopy since 1981 . 24 of 26 consecutive cases are the subject of the present study. Tumor hi story, X-ray findings, endobronchial appearance, treatment and the pathogen etic mechanisms of this special form of metastatic spread are demonstrated and discussed. In 5 patients > 10 years relapsed between nephrectomy and br onchoscopic tumor therapy. A thrombuslike tumor growth and bleeding were st riking bronchoscopic features. In X-my besides atelectasis, hilar or medias tinal masses were seen half of the patients, in 50% without parenchymal lun g nodes, suggesting lymphogenic spread In several patients bronchial recana lisation could be successfully repeated over long periods. Abnormal X-ray, haemoptysis or dyspnoa in patients with RCC demands bronchoscopy. In case o f bronchial tumor obstruction bronchoscopic treatment offers excellent pall iation.