Studies evaluating rats and mice have provided convincing evidence that renal adenoma and carcinoma are induced by oral doses of lead acetate and lead subacetate, as well as by parenteral doses of lead phosphate. In addition, at least 2 cases of kidney cancer associated with heavy exposure to lead have been reported. However, there is still not enough information to confirm or rule out an association between kidney cancer and exposure to lead.

In this study, we describe a case of kidney cancer in 54-year-old male worker that was exposed to lead-stearate while employed in the polyvinyl chloride processing industry for 17 years. The patient presented with gout and hypertension. Further examination revealed proteinuria, glucose in the urine and elevated blood urea nitrogen/creatinine levels. Renal ultrasonography, renal computed tomography and renal biopsy revealed chronic renal failure and renal cell cancer.

We concluded that the gout and chronic renal failure in this case was caused by chronic lead exposure. However, further study is required to determine if the renal cancer was induced by lead exposure.