[Renal cell carcinoma and trichloroethylene].

The authors report the case of a 51-year-old man with a history of trichloroethylene (TCE) poisoning. He was treated by radical nephrectomy after discovery ofa right renal mass corresponding to renal cell carcinoma. The objective of this study is to discuss the role of TCE abuse as a renal carcinogen. TCE is an excellent solvent used to degrease metal parts. It can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion or cutaneous contact, but the respiratory tract is the main route of absorption of TCE. Many epidemiological studies have been conducted on workers exposed to TCE, but they have not been able to clearly establish a link between exposure by inhalation to TCE and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has accumulated sufficient evidence to consider TCE to be carcinogenic to animals and considers that TCE is probably carcinogenic to humans. Toxic metabolites derived from TCE induce chronic renal tubular lesions and may exert a genotoxic effect on the proximal convoluted tubule. The initial genotoxic effect appears to be related to mutations of the VHL suppressor gene. The chronic toxic effects and the possible role of TCE in the development of cancer have not been specifically studied in the context of TCE abuse behaviour. To our knowledge, this is the first case of renal cell carcinoma reported in a TCE addict.