Spontaneous regression of some tumours is known to occur. We report here on a patient who developed lung and scalp metastases from renal cell carcinoma approximately 1 year after undergoing a radical nephrectomy. The lung metastasis was documented by computed tomography and histological examination. A spontaneous complete regression of the lung and scalp metastases occurred. Shortly after, however, a brain metastasis developed in the absence of any radiographic evidence of recurrence in the primary site or the lung.