Sonography of renal adenocarcinomas

Hypernephromas account for over 90% of the primary malignant neoplasms of the kidney. These tumors present a spectrum of sonographic findings that correlates well with the known angiographic and pathologic characteristics. Ultrasound can be used to indicate that a mass previously seen on intravenous urography is indeed solid. In addition, the echo intensity, homogeneity, and margins of the tumor can be elucidated. Often, a specific diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma can be made based on these findings. Lymphadenopathy, contralateral metastases, as well as simultaneous primary tumors may also be diagnosed. Therefore, ultrasound has a critical role to play in the diagnosis and management of hypernephromas which will be emphasized in this manuscript.