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Updated: Nov 15, 2025

In Vivo, Percutaneous, Needle Based, Optical Coherence Tomography of Renal Masses
Published on: March 30, 2015
Macroscopic fat containing renal cell carcinoma
Maria Kirkinis1, Tom Sutherland1,2
1Department of Medical Imaging, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Renal masses containing macroscopic fat traditionally are pathognomonic for angiomyolipoma, a benign tumour. We describe two cases contrary to this axiom, the first being initially referred for angioembolisation, but subsequently biopsied when it was angiographically occult, whilst the second case showed a small macroscopic fat component and arterial enhancement prompting biopsy. Neither of these two cases demonstrated calcification which would usually suggest a more sinister lesion requiring further workup. The results demonstrated renal cell carcinoma for both lesions. Our multidisciplinary meeting approach to renal masses with a small amount of macroscopic fat and no calcifications has now changed.
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