Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma and renal cell carcinoma - An unusual case of tumour synchronism

We report an unusual case of tumour synchronism combining an extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma and a renal cell. carcinoma in a 48-year-old male. The mos t usual forms of presentation are described in accordance with their clinic al significance. We emphasize the diagnostic importance of specific biochem ical studies and the accurate anatomical localization of extra-adrenal chro maffin tissue by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scintigraphy with (13 1)Iodine-methyliodobenzylguanidine (I-131-MIBG). Surgical excision was the treatment of choice after the institution of adequate preoperative cardiova scular management. Pertinent features of the natural history of-these tumou rs are described in accordance with their different embryological origin.