Hyperechogenic renal tumours

58 hyperechogenic renal tumours from the years 1978-1983 were studied to elucidate whether it would be possible to discriminate between malignant and benign tumours with the aid of echo strength and homogeneity. 42 tumours were malignant (renal carcinomas) and 16 benign (15 angiomyolipomas and one hemangioma). 5% of the malignant tumours were highly echogenic (the echo strength equal to or higher than that of sinusal area) and 95% moderately echogenic ( echostrength higher than that of parenchyma and lower than that of sinusal area), and 12% had homogeneous and 88% nonhomogeneous echo pattern. 75% of the benign tumours were highly and 25% moderately echogenic, while 94% were homogeneous and 6% nonhomogeneous. It is not possible to differentiate with absolute reliability between malignant and benign hyperechogenic renal tumours on the basis of the ultrasonographic finding.