Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney: radiologic-pathologic correlation

Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor (MEST) of the kidney is a rare, typically benign lesion that occurs predominantly in perimenopausal women. At computed tomography (CT), it typically manifests as a multiloculated cystic renal mass with a variable proportion of solid and cystic components and containing internal septa that demonstrate heterogeneous and delayed contrast material enhancement. MEST may mimic a variety of benign and malignant renal lesions, such as adult cystic nephroma, complex renal cyst, and cystic renal cell carcinoma. The preoperative diagnosis of MEST can be problematic, and most cases are treated surgically. However, CT with two-dimensional multiplanar reformation and three-dimensional volume rendering helps define the diagnostic features of MEST and can assist in surgical planning.