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Renal cell carcinoma containing fat: demonstration with CT
O Hélénon1, Y Chrétien, F Paraf
1Department of Radiology, Hôpital Necker, Paris, France.
Radiology
|August 1, 1993
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) findings of fat in renal tumors usually indicate angiomyolipoma. However, calcifications in fat-containing renal tumors may signal renal cell carcinoma, requiring surgical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for diagnosing renal masses.
- Fat within a renal tumor on CT is typically indicative of angiomyolipoma.
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is generally not suspected in fat-containing renal tumors.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a renal mass containing calcifications and fat on CT.
- Pathologic examination revealed the mass to be renal cell carcinoma.
- The RCC exhibited tubular and papillary architecture with osseous metaplasia.
Findings:
- CT findings of fat in renal tumors can sometimes be misleading.
- The presence of intratumoral calcifications in fat-containing renal masses is a critical diagnostic clue.
- Renal cell carcinoma can mimic benign lipomatous tumors on CT.
Implications:
- Renal cell carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of well-marginated, fat-containing renal tumors with calcifications.
- Such indeterminate renal tumors warrant surgical exploration and treatment.
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation beyond typical imaging features.