A case of monolocular cystic renal cell carcinoma *
A case of monolocular cystic renal cell carcinoma is reported which was found incidentally in a 37-year-old female. A left renal mass was detected in this patient during echographic study by a local doctor and she was referred to our division. CT showed a left renal cystic mass with septa and a partially enhanced wall of the capsule. MRI revealed a renal cystic tumor without any enhancement effect. Angiography showed a hypovascular mass with displacement of the arteries and encasement of small arteries at the wall. We found it difficult in this case to distinguish malignancy from benignancy by the imaging findings, so we consulted the Department of Urology on the matter and she underwent a radical nephrectomy. The histologic diagnosis was a monolocular cystic renal cell carcinoma comprising a chromophobe cell type, which was associated with a promint cystic change secondary to necrosis of the tumor tissue. We believe that if there are findings comprising partial thickening of the capsular wall and/or enhanced capsular wall in renal cystic tumors on imaging studies, cystic renal cell carcinoma should be considered for diagnosis (Accepted on April 19, 1997) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 23 (1) : 47―52, 1997
