Multicystic nephroma masquerading as hydatid cyst: a diagnostic challenge

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Multicystic nephroma is a rare, typically benign renal neoplasm.
• Fewer than 200 cases have been documented in medical literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the diagnostic challenges of multicystic nephroma.
• To emphasize the importance of histopathology in differentiating it from other abdominal masses.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a Sudanese child presenting with an abdominal mass.
• Clinical and radiological evaluation.
• Histopathological examination of the surgical specimen.

Main Results:

• Initial clinical and radiological findings suggested a hydatid cyst, common in the region.
• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of multicystic nephroma.

Conclusions:

• Multicystic nephroma is a rare, benign tumor with a favorable prognosis.
• Distinguishing multicystic nephroma from hydatid cyst based on clinical and imaging alone is challenging.
• Histopathological analysis of surgical specimens is crucial for accurate diagnosis.