Inflammatory undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the kidney with obstinate cough and fever as the first symptom: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly aggressive cancer that most commonly occurs in the extremities and trunk but is extremely rare in the kidney. This study reports a 60year-old woman with obstinate cough and fever as the first symptoms and an initial diagnosis of inflammatory lung disease. However, none of the symptoms improved after one month of treatment. A repeated chest computed tomography (CT) scan suggested a huge renal mass in the left kidney; therefore, a radical nephrectomy was finally performed in the urology department. And the postoperative pathological examinations revealed UPS. Interestingly, the bothersome symptoms of the patient magically disappeared on the 2nd day after the surgery. During a follow-up of 32 months, there was no sign of recurrence. We found that early diagnosis together with thorough surgical treatment is currently the most effective approach to prolong the survival time of patients. In addition, postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy could be alternative options to benefit patients.