Tubulocystic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Great Imitator

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TCRC) is an uncommon renal neoplasm.
• TCRC often presents incidentally in patients with Bosniak III/IV cysts and rarely metastasizes.
• The management of TCRC, particularly targeted therapy, remains debated due to its rarity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of TCRC.
• To describe TCRC presenting initially as a Bosniak type II renal cyst.
• To contribute to the understanding of TCRC's metastatic potential and presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient diagnosed with TCRC.
• Review of imaging findings, specifically Bosniak classification of renal cysts.
• Pathological analysis confirming TCRC diagnosis and assessment of metastatic spread.

Main Results:

• The TCRC case initially mimicked a Bosniak type II renal cyst.
• The tumor was ultimately diagnosed as metastatic disease.
• This presentation deviates from the typical asymptomatic and non-metastatic course of TCRC.

Conclusions:

• TCRC can present atypically, even as a seemingly simple (Bosniak II) cyst.
• Metastatic presentation of TCRC, though rare, should be considered.
• This case broadens the clinical and radiological spectrum of TCRC, impacting diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.