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[Asymptomatic multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma]
Summary
Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MLCRCC) is rare but occurs in asymptomatic kidney cancers. Imaging of multiloculated renal masses in adults should raise suspicion for MLCRCC over multilocular cystic nephroma.
Area of Science:
- Urologic oncology
- Renal pathology
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MLCRCC) is a rare subtype of kidney cancer.
- Distinguishing MLCRCC from multilocular cystic nephroma (MLCN) can be challenging.
- Previous studies suggest MLCRCC is extremely rare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of MLCRCC in incidentally diagnosed renal cancers.
- To compare the occurrence of MLCRCC in asymptomatic versus symptomatic renal cancer patients.
- To provide imaging characteristics that may help differentiate MLCRCC from MLCN.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of renal cancer cases diagnosed between January 1982 and December 1989.
- Categorization of renal cancers into asymptomatic (incidentally diagnosed) and symptomatic groups.
- Analysis of the presence of MLCRCC and MLCN in each group.
Main Results:
- Seven cases of MLCRCC were identified among 36 incidentally diagnosed (asymptomatic) renal cancers.
- No MLCRCC cases were found in 23 symptomatic renal cancers (p < 0.05).
- No multilocular cystic nephromas (MLCNs) were observed in either group.
Conclusions:
- MLCRCC, despite its rarity, is found in asymptomatic renal cancers.
- Asymptomatic renal cancers have a higher likelihood of being MLCRCC compared to symptomatic ones.
- A multiloculated renal mass with a thick septum on ultrasonography or CT in adults warrants suspicion for MLCRCC.