Case review: adult epithelial type Wilms tumor in a 23-year-old female

Wilms tumor (WT) is a rare renal malignancy most commonly diagnosed in children, but it is exceedingly rare in adults. Adult Wilms tumor (AWT) presents a diagnostic challenge due to its overlap with other renal neoplasms, such as renal cell carcinoma. Among its different histological subtypes, epithelial-type Wilms tumor is even rarer, presenting with predominantly epithelial differentiation, which can mimic other epithelial renal malignancies.

This case report discusses a 23-year-old female who presented with a two-year history of painless hematuria and a palpable right kidney mass. Imaging revealed a large renal mass, and the patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of epithelial-type Wilms tumor, with no evidence of metastasis and clear surgical margins. Despite the rarity of this condition, the case highlights the importance of accurate histopathological diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for adult patients with rare renal tumors. The management of adult Wilms tumors remains a subject of ongoing research, and the optimal treatment approach often requires individualized decision-making.

Early diagnosis and surgical intervention remain critical for improving patient outcomes, and awareness of such rare tumors is essential in the differential diagnosis of renal masses in young adults.