[Two benign vascular tumors of the kidney capsule]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2026

Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Published on: August 28, 2013
F Billard1, J M Dumollard, J Cucherousset
1Service d'anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Saint Etienne, Hôpital Bellevue.
Abstract:
Capsular tumors of the kidney are uncommon or poorly documented. The authors report two cases of benign vascular tumors: a so-called "vascular leiomyoblastoma" and a glomus tumor. An ultrastructural study of the first tumor demonstrated smooth muscular characteristics. Obvious histological features of glomus were seen in the second. Immunohistochemical study revealed positive immunoreactivity for epithelial and mesenchymal antibodies in the two tumors. Glomus tumor originates from the particular system of vessels in the capsule. Histogenesis of the vascular leiomyoblastoma is more controversial. This tumor could be akin to leiomyomas of the renal capsule and intra parenchymatous leiomyomas; lymphatic origin and even a glomangiomatous nature are also possible explanations.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Structure
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Internal Anatomy of the Kidney
Anatomical Position and Dimensions
The kidneys are retroperitoneal organs positioned against the posterior abdominal wall on either side of the spine, roughly between the twelfth thoracic and third lumbar vertebrae. Each kidney is typically 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, and 3-4 cm thick, weighing about 150 grams.
Renal Cortex
The outermost region of the kidney is the...
Nephrons
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters

