A case report of adenoid cystic carcinoma combined with giant renal metastasis treated with robotic surgery.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare head and neck tumor with low incidence, characterized by local recurrence and early metastasis following surgical treatment. The common sites of metastasis for this cancer are typically the lungs, liver, brain, and bone, while metastasis to the kidneys is rare. This article reports a case of renal metastasis in a patient with adenoid cystic carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, occurring 16 years after surgery. The patient was a 34-year-old female with intermittent right lower abdominal pain for five months. She was diagnosed with maxillary sinus ACC 16 years ago and was treated surgically with adjuvant radiotherapy three times without regular follow-up. The patient underwent a robotic-assisted unilateral nephrectomy, and pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of renal metastasis from adenoid cystic carcinoma. Postoperatively, the patient's abdominal pain resolved, and she was discharged on the fifth day with instructions for regular follow-up. During her first follow-up nine months later, she reported no discomfort and confirmed a smooth recovery. This case highlights the potential for late recurrence of adenoid cystic carcinoma, underscoring the importance of long-term follow-up and vigilant monitoring, even after successful initial treatment. Continued surveillance and refinement of treatment strategies are crucial for managing this challenging malignancy.