Multilocular cyst of the kidney: a case report

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• A 69-year-old female presented with a right kidney tumor requiring management.
• Diagnostic workup included imaging (urography, ultrasound, CT scan, angiography) and fine needle aspiration cytology.

Observation:

• Fine needle aspiration cytology suggested primary renal cell carcinoma.
• Radiological imaging indicated a benign lesion.
• Despite imaging findings, a right radical nephrectomy was performed due to positive cytology.

Findings:

• Pathological diagnosis revealed a solitary multilocular cyst of the kidney.
• The cyst was benign, contradicting the initial cytological suspicion of malignancy.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of integrating all diagnostic data, including imaging and cytology.
• Underscores potential discrepancies between fine needle aspiration cytology and final pathological diagnosis in renal lesions.
• Emphasizes the need for careful consideration of treatment decisions when diagnostic results appear conflicting.