Renal cell carcinoma with cutaneous metastases.

An 86-year-old man presented with multiple papules on his face, neck, lips and ears 4 years after a left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Shave biopsies and excisions of the cutaneous lesions revealed findings consistent with metastatic renal cell carcinoma of clear cell type. The patient continued to present to the clinic over the next 3 years with similar eruptions, and biopsies continued to confirm renal cell carcinoma. During this time, metastases to the bone, lung, soft palate and posterior leg were also diagnosed. This case represents an unusual clinical presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. It shows that a high index of suspicion should be maintained as cutaneous metastases can mimic other skin conditions.