• Vol. 30 No. 6, 642–645
  • 15 November 2001

Bilateral Synchronous Renal Oncocytoma: A Case Report and Review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Renal oncocytoma is a rare benign tumour.

Clinical Picture: A 73-year-old man presented with bilateral renal tumours, suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and radical nephrectomy were performed. Both specimens revealed renal oncocytoma on final histology. A review of nephrectomy specimens showed 4 other solitary oncocytomas out of 250 RCCs over the period 1991 to 2000. Diagnosis of oncocytoma could only be firmly established by careful histological evaluation to exclude RCC.

Treatment: Renal oncocytoma carries a good prognosis. The use of NSS for synchronous bilateral renal masses is highlighted.

Conclusion: NSS is recommended for renal oncocytoma wherever possible.


Oncocytomas are neoplasms characterised by large epithelial cells with finely granular eosinophilic cytoplasm called oncocytes. They were first described by Zippel in 1942 and have subsequently been identified in the thyroid, parathyroid, salivary and adrenal glands.

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