MULTILOCULAR RENAL CYSTS IN ADULTS - POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP TO RENAL ADENOCARCINOMA

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 107  (12) , 633-637
Abstract
Three grossly typical multiocular renal cysts are described. In 1 case, results from cytologic examination of a cyst aspirate suggested malignancy. In this and the 2nd case, histologic examination revealed cysts lined by attenuated to pump epithelium, with mild cytologic atypia and clear cytoplasm. The 3rd case, arising in the clinical setting of chronic renal insufficiency, had the above histologic features as well as papillary proliferations and septal invasion by clear cells, interpreted as a renal adenocarcinoma. Although the preoperative evaluations in each case suggested a multiocular cyst, a cystic or partially necrotic adenocarcinoma could not be ruled out. The concept of renal adenocarcinoma arising in a multiocular cyst is controversial. Because the natural evolution of multiocular cysts is indolent, these papillary and clear cell changes may represent a malignant neoplasm or a peculiar atypical hyperplasia.