Inherited predisposition to renal carcinoma is probable, as there is a report of a male nonhuman primate and three of his offspring developing this neoplasm 5 . As more older nonhuman primates are examined, the incidence of renal cell carcinoma may approach that in humans, and its biological behavior may be predicted more accurately 10 . Early diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma is essential to prevent distant metastasis and the development of clinical manifestations. Using advanced diagnostic techniques such as renal ultrasonography, nephrotomography, computed tomography scanning, and intravenous pyelography in the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma in humans is common. These techniques are being used more frequently in domestic and laboratory animal species.
Radical nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for nonmetastic renal cell carcinoma.
These treatments are controversial in their effectiveness, and are under extensive investigation. This case study is unique, as it is the first report of unilateral testicular atrophy associated with a renal cell carcinoma in a nonhuman primate. It is also unprecedented in that the testicular atrophy occurred contralateral to the kidney with the renal cell carcinoma. References Cotran, R.S., et al . W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA, 1995.