Infiltrative Renal Malignancies: Imaging Features, Prognostic Implications, and Mimics

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Infiltrative renal masses present a poorly defined interface with renal parenchyma.
• These masses are less common, more aggressive, and associated with a worse prognosis than typical renal malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse spectrum of infiltrative renal masses.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and strategies for these entities.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging features of infiltrative renal masses.
• Correlation with clinical history, laboratory results, and pathological findings.

Main Results:

• Infiltrative renal masses encompass primary tumors, lymphoproliferative disorders, metastases, and mimics (infectious, inflammatory, vascular).
• Imaging findings are often nonspecific, requiring integration of clinical context.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of infiltrative renal masses requires a comprehensive approach.
• Radiologists play a key role in narrowing the differential diagnosis and guiding treatment.