Renal cancer in families with hereditary renal cancer: prospective analysis of a tumor size threshold for renal parenchymal sparing surgery

PURPOSE: Patients with hereditary forms of renal cancer are at risk for new tumors and metastases. Renal parenchymal sparing surgery has been performed to preserve renal function and quality of life, and prevent metastases. We evaluated a 3 cm. threshold for performing renal parenchymal sparing surgery in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cancer and renal cancer were identified by screening affected kindred and by kindred history. Patients with small tumors were followed with serial imaging studies until the largest renal tumor was 3 cm., when renal parenchymal sparing surgery was performed. Renal tumors greater than 3 cm. were resected without delay. Parenchymal sparing techniques were used when possible in each group. RESULTS: The 3 cm. surgical threshold was evaluated in 52 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (group 1) at a median followup of 60 months (range 6 to 205). None of these patients had metastatic disease and none has required renal transplantation or dialysis. In 44 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (group 2) renal tumors larger than 3 cm. developed. Median followup from the initial radiological diagnosis of renal cancer in this group was 66.5 months (range 0 to 321). Patients in group 1 underwent parenchymal sparing surgery instead of nephrectomy more frequently than those in group 2 (46 of 48 operations or 96% versus 45 of 72 or 63%, Fisher's exact test p <0.0001). In contrast to patients in group 1, metastatic renal cancer developed in 11 of the 44 in group 2 (25%) (Fisher's exact test p <0.0001). A total of 23 patients with hereditary papillary renal cancer were also identified. Median followup in these cases was 44 months (range 0 to 237). Ten patients had tumors less than 3 cm. No patient with tumors less than 3 cm. and 2 of the 13 (15%) with larger tumors had metastases. CONCLUSIONS: Using a 3 cm. renal tumor diameter as an indication for renal surgery no patient with renal cancer and von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cancer had metastatic disease regardless of the number of tumors. Using a lesion size of 3 cm. as a threshold for performing renal parenchymal sparing surgery may help to prevent metastatic disease, unnecessary renal damage due to frequent surgery and renal dialysis or transplantation.     

The relationship between renal tumor size and metastases in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease

PURPOSE: Patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease are at risk for multiple, bilateral, recurrent renal tumors and metastases. We previously evaluated the relationship between tumor size and metastases in families with hereditary renal cancer. We update our findings with about twice the number of patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Screening affected kindred or retrospective review of medical records identified 181 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and renal cell carcinoma. Patients with small tumors were followed with serial imaging until the largest tumor reached 3 cm, at which point surgery was recommended. Surgical resection was recommended to patients with tumors larger than 3 cm. Patients not undergoing screening often had large renal tumors. RESULTS: A total of 108 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and solid renal tumors on computerized tomography imaging smaller than 3 cm (group 1) were followed a mean of 58 months (range 0 to 244). Metastatic disease did not develop in any of these patients. Renal tumors larger than 3 cm developed in 73 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (group 2). Mean followup of group 2 was 72.9 months (range 0 to 321). The proportion of procedures that were nephron sparing was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (120 of 125 [97%] compared to 85 of 125 [69%], Fisher's exact test p <0.0001). Metastases developed in 20 of 73 (27.4%) patients in group 2. The frequency of renal tumor metastases increased with increasing tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: No renal tumor metastases were found in patients with renal tumors less than 3 cm in diameter. We advocate a 3 cm threshold for parenchymal sparing surgery in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease to decrease the risk of metastatic disease while preserving renal function, avoiding or delaying the need for dialysis and/or renal transplant, and decreasing the number of operations which a patient may undergo. We stress the importance of early screening in the kindred of patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and vigilant followup thereafter.     

Long-term followup after nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau disease.

We reviewed the long-term outcome of nephron sparing surgery in 9 patients with localized bilateral renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease. One patient died of metastatic renal cell carcinoma 43 months postoperatively. One patient has not had recurrent tumor and was alive at 74 months postoperatively. The remaining 7 patients (mean followup 88 months) had local recurrence of tumor in the operated kidney and a secondary renal operation was done in 6 of them. Overall, 6 patients are free of tumor but only 3 of them retain functioning native renal parenchyma. We conclude that the results of nephron sparing surgery in patients with renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease are less satisfactory than in patients with sporadic renal cell carcinoma.     

PREVALENCE, MORPHOLOGY AND BIOLOGY OF RENAL CELL CARCINOMA IN VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE COMPARED TO SPORADIC RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

Purpose

Renal cell carcinoma occurs as a sporadic tumor but may be part of the autosomal dominant von Hippel-Lindau disease, characterized by retinal and central nervous system hemangioblastoma, pheochromocytoma, pancreatic cysts and renal cell carcinoma. We determine the prevalence of von Hippel-Lindau disease in a series of unselected renal cell carcinoma cases by molecular genetic analysis, and compare sporadic to von Hippel-Lindau renal cell carcinoma with respect to morphology and biology.

Materials and Methods

We established registers comprising 63 subjects with von Hippel-Lindau renal cell carcinoma, belonging to 30 distinct families (register A), and 460 unselected patients operated on for renal cell carcinoma in an 11-year period (register B). Molecular genetic analysis of the von Hippel-Lindau gene was performed for living patients of register A, representing 80% of von Hippel-Lindau families, and register B, 62% living patients, to identify von Hippel-Lindau germline mutations. In addition, register B was evaluated by a questionnaire (95% response) for familial occurrence of von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Results

The prevalence of von Hippel-Lindau renal cell carcinoma was 1.6% in 189 consenting unselected renal cell carcinoma patients. Risk factors for occult germline von Hippel-Lindau gene mutations in register B included familial renal cell carcinoma in 3 of 3 patients (100%), multifocal or bilateral renal cell carcinoma in 1 of 10 (10%) and age younger than 50 years at diagnosis in 1 of 33 (3%). Compared to sporadic von Hippel-Lindau renal cell carcinoma was characterized by an occurrence 25 years earlier, association with renal cysts, multifocal and bilateral tumors, cystic organization and low grade histology, and a better 10-year survival (p <0.001 each). In von Hippel-Lindau disease metastases occurred only in tumors larger than 7 cm.

Conclusions

Von Hippel-Lindau differs from sporadic renal cell carcinoma in morphology and biology. Our data provide arguments for planning surgery for von Hippel-Lindau renal cell carcinoma and should stimulate future investigations.     

Parenchymal sparing surgery in patients with hereditary renal cell carcinoma: 10-year experience

PURPOSE: von Hippel-Lindau disease, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome and familial renal oncocytoma are familial renal tumor syndromes. These hereditary disorders are noteworthy for the development of multiple bilateral renal tumors and the risk of new tumors throughout life. One management strategy is observation of solid renal tumors until reaching 3 cm, then performing parenchymal sparing surgery. We present a 5-year update on our experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 1988 to October 1998, 49 patients with hereditary renal cell carcinoma, including von Hippel-Lindau disease in 44, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma in 4 and the Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome in 1, and 1 with familial renal oncocytoma underwent exploration to attempt renal parenchymal sparing surgery. Patients were followed prospectively with periodic screening for recurrence, metastasis and loss of renal function. Median followup was 79.5 months (range 0.7 to 205). RESULTS: A total of 50 patients underwent 71 operations resulting in unilateral nephrectomy in 6, bilateral nephrectomy in 1 and partial nephrectomy in 65, with 1 to 51 tumors removed from each kidney (mean 14.7). Mean patient age was 39.5 years (range 18 to 70). Of the 65 (40%) partial nephrectomies 26 were performed with cold renal ischemia. Mean blood loss was 2.9 +/- 0.5 l (range 0.15 to 23). Postoperative complications included renal atrophy in 3 patients. Mean preoperative serum creatinine was 1.05 +/- 0.03 mg/dl (range 0.6 to 1.8), and postoperative creatinine was 1.06 +/- 0.04 mg/dl (range 0.6 to 2.0). No patient who underwent renal parenchymal sparing surgery required renal replacement therapy. Metastatic disease developed in 1 patient with a 4.5 cm renal tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Parenchymal sparing surgery with a 3 cm threshold in patients with hereditary renal cancer appears to be an effective therapeutic option to maximize renal function while minimizing the risk of metastatic disease.     

Intraoperative ultrasound during renal parenchymal sparing surgery for hereditary renal cancers: a 10-year experience

PURPOSE: We review our 10-year experience with intraoperative ultrasound during renal parenchymal sparing surgery in patients with hereditary renal cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1991 and 2000, 68 nephron sparing procedures were performed on 26 women and 27 men, all but 1 of whom had a hereditary predisposition to renal cancer, for example von Hippel-Lindau, hereditary papillary renal cancer. Intraoperative ultrasound was performed after the surgeon removed all visible or palpable lesions. High frequency transducers (7 MHz.) and color Doppler were used in all cases. Lesions were characterized as simple cysts, complex cysts or solid masses, and were recorded on a map. RESULTS: A total of 935 lesions (mean 12.8 lesions per kidney) were removed in 68 nephron sparing operations performed on 53 patients. Of these lesions 870 were removed without while 65 required intraoperative ultrasound. In 17 of 68 (25%) procedures intraoperative ultrasound identified renal cancers that were not detectable by the surgeon. Mean tumor size of ultrasound detected lesions was 1.0 cm. (range 2 mm. to 4 cm.). Of the 32 cystic lesions identified by intraoperative ultrasound 5 contained renal carcinoma, and 29 of the 33 solid renal masses were renal cell carcinomas. During reoperations ultrasound enabled the surface of the kidney to be evaluated even when it was inaccessible due to scar tissue or adherent perinephric fat. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative ultrasound can be performed after all visible lesions have been removed and identifies additional tumors in 25% of patients with hereditary renal cancer, thus ensuring that as many tumors as possible have been removed during renal parenchymal sparing surgery.     

Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma in Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: A Multicenter Study

A total of 65 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma (54 bilaterally and 11 unilaterally) at 8 medical centers. Only 1 patient presented with metastatic disease. Radical nephrectomy and nephron sparing surgery were performed in 16 and 49 patients, respectively. Mean posttreatment followup was 68 months.

The 5 and 10-year cancer-specific survival rates for all patients were 95 percent and 77 percent, respectively. The corresponding rates for patients treated with nephron sparing surgery were 100 percent and 81 percent, respectively. Of the latter patients 25 (51 percent) had postoperative local tumor recurrence but only 2 had concomitant metastatic disease. Survival free of local recurrence was 71 percent at 5 years but only 15 percent at 10 years. End stage renal failure occurred in 15 patients (23 percent): 6 underwent renal transplantation (5 are alive with satisfactory renal function and no evidence of malignancy) and 9 were treated with chronic dialysis (6 are free of tumor).

Our results indicate that nephron sparing surgery can provide effective initial treatment for patients with renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease. These patients must be followed closely, since most will eventually have locally recurrent recurrent renal cell carcinoma. When removal of all renal tissue is necessary to achieve control of malignancy, renal transplantation can provide satisfactory replacement therapy for end stage renal disease.     

Metachronous bilateral renal cell carcinoma: risk assessment, prognosis and relevance of the primary-free interval

PURPOSE: We evaluated the prognosis, risk factors and relevance of the primary-free interval in a large cohort with metachronous bilateral renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 120 patients with metachronous, bilateral renal cell carcinoma who were treated at 12 international academic centers. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate risk factors for contralateral metachronous renal cell carcinoma during followup. Disease specific survival was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis of the first and second renal cell carcinomas was 54 and 62 years, respectively. The most common histological subtype was bilateral clear cell renal cell carcinoma (89% of cases). Familial renal cell carcinoma was found in 14% of patients, von Hippel-Lindau disease was found in 4% and nonfamilial renal cell carcinoma was found in 81%. The 15-year disease specific survival rates for the first and second renal cell carcinomas were 66% and 44%, respectively. Logistic regression revealed von Hippel-Lindau disease, a family history of renal cell carcinoma, multifocal first renal cell carcinoma and young patient age as independent risk factors for contralateral renal cell carcinoma after surgery for unilateral renal cell carcinoma. A longer primary-free interval was associated with a better prognosis. When calculating disease specific survival from the diagnosis of the first renal cell carcinoma, the primary-free interval was an independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival rates of metachronous, bilateral renal cell carcinoma are moderate. von Hippel-Lindau disease, a family history of renal cell carcinoma, multifocal first renal cell carcinoma and young patient age are independent risk factors for contralateral renal cell carcinoma. These risk factors support close and extended abdominal surveillance following nephrectomy for unilateral renal cell carcinoma. Patients with a longer primary-free interval have a more favorable prognosis.     

Nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel-Lindau's disease: a single center experience

PURPOSE: We reviewed the efficacy and safety of nephron sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collated for all 56 patients with a mean age of 37.2 +/- 11.3 years (range 14 to 62) with von Hippel-Lindau disease who underwent radical nephrectomy or nephron sparing surgery at our department for 1 or more 25 to 60 mm renal cell carcinomas between 1988 and 2001. RESULTS: Overall 30 nephrectomies (33%) and 62 enucleations (67%) were performed for 62 bilateral and 30 unilateral tumors. For nephron sparing surgery estimated intraoperative blood loss was 175 +/- 231.7 cc (range 50 to 1,300), 97% of surgeries had vascular pedicle clamping for 32 +/- 10.4 minutes (range 10 to 50) and there were 4 immediate complications (1 perinephric abscess, 2 urinary fistulas and 1 acute renal failure requiring temporary dialysis). Renal atrophy was noted in 7.3% of cases. Tumor diameter was 31.2 +/- 10.7 mm (range 15 to 60) and recurrence diameter was 22 +/- 7.8 mm (range 4 to 45). Hospital stay was 7.6 +/- 2.4 days (range 5 to 21). Preoperative and postoperative creatinine was 1.0 +/- 0.2 (range 0.6 to 1.7) and 1.2 +/- 0.9 mg/dl (range 0.7 to 6.5), respectively. Median followup was 55.9 months. There were 17 local recurrences (27.4%) and no metastases at recurrence. The overall survival rate was 100% at 5 years and 67% at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Nephron sparing surgery is effective and, when feasible, it need not be called into question. However, it may probably be superseded by less invasive techniques for tumors less than 20 mm diagnosed early after these techniques have been validated in long-term trials.     

VHL病一例报告并文献复习

目的 探讨von Hippel-Lindau(VHL)病的临床和影像学特点,提高对本病的认识.方法 VHL患者1例.患者男,50岁,因无痛性全程肉眼血尿伴视物模糊5个月入院.影像学及眼底镜检查诊断双肾多发性肿瘤,肾囊肿,胰腺囊肿,肝囊肿,右眼视网膜血管瘤.12年前有小脑血管母细胞瘤手术史,无家族史.结果 行左侧保留肾单位肿瘤切除术(肿瘤5枚),肿瘤最大约3.5cm×3.5 cm,病理报告肾多发性透明细胞癌.术后口服索尼替尼治疗.随访4个月,肾功能正常,右肾肿瘤缩小.结论 VHL病是一种家族性常染色体显性遗传性肿瘤病,病变表现为中枢神经系统血管母细胞瘤、内脏肿瘤和内脏多发囊肿等.全面的影像学检查是诊断和随访的重要手段.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the clinical and imaging features of von Hippel-Lindau disease to raise awareness of the disease. Methods The clinical and imaging data of a case of VHL patient were analyzed retrospectively and discussed with relative literature review. The patient was a 50-year-old man, who was admitted with the chief complaints of painless gross hematuria and blurred vision for 5 months. Imaging data and ophthalmoscopy examination showed bilateral multiple renal tumors, renal cysts, pancreatic cysts, hepatic cysts and retinal angioma in his right eye. He suffered a surgical operation for his cerebellar hemangioblastoma 12 years ago without family history. Results The patient underwent nephron- sparing surgery (NSS) in the left kidney. Five renal tumors were removed, and the largest tumor was 3.5 cm× 3.5 cm. Postoperative oral administration of Sorafenib agents was applied. Followed up for 4 months, the renal function was normal and the right kidney tumor reduced. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of multiple renal clear cell carcinoma. Conclusions VHL disease is a familial autosomal dominant hereditary syndrome, with the performance of hemangioblastorna in central nervous system, visceral tumors and multiple visceral cysts. Comprehensive imaging examination plays a major role in both the diagnosis and the follow-up of VHL disease.     

Papillary cystadenoma of the mesosalpinx in von Hippel-Lindau disease

Papillary cystadenoma of the epididymis is an occasional finding in men with von Hippel-Lindau disease. To date, an analogous lesion has not been described in women with the syndrome. We report a case of an asymptomatic papillary cystadenoma of the mesosalpinx found incidentally during surgery for a renal cell carcinoma in a woman with von Hippel-Lindau disease. This finding supports the notion that similar lesions may arise in both men and women with von Hippel-Lindau disease, perhaps from embryologically related portions of the urogenital tract.     

Report of aggressive renal cell carcinoma in two patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease

Renal cell carcinoma is relatively common in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease, yet characteristically follows a less aggressive course compared with sporadic renal cell carcinoma. We report on 2 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease and atypically aggressive renal tumors. In these patients, more rigorous screening guidelines may help to identify the more aggressive variants.     

von Hippel-Lindau disease: epididymal cystadenoma targeted by metastatic events

Cases of renal clear cell carcinoma in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease often exhibit extensive metastasis. Several investigators have shown these tumors to specifically invade central nervous system hemangioblastomas, which are commonly associated with the disease. We report on multiple metastatic events within a single von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated tumor outside the central nervous system, epididymal cystadenoma. The multiplicity of these metastatic events suggests the epididymal cystadenoma as a preferential site of metastasis for von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal clear cell carcinoma.     

Von Hippel-Lindau disease simulating polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease and the renal manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease have much in common. Making the distinction between these two diseases is important. There is a strong association of renal cell carcinoma with von Hippel-Lindau disease, whereas renal cell carcinoma is rare in polycystic kidney disease. Furthermore, the many extrarenal manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease are serious and can be fatal while those of polycystic kidney disease are generally benign. Early diagnosis of the lesions of von Hippel-Lindau disease could lead to effective surgical treatment and prevent death. A case of von Hippel-Lindau disease is presented which was incorrectly diagnosed as polycystic kidney disease for sixteen years. The case is instructive in that the possibility of making the correct diagnosis prior to the patient's terminal illness was only through careful assessment of the family. The case is also remarkable in that the patient suffered from progressive renal failure requiring hemodialysis, which has not been associated previously with von Hippel-Lindau disease.     

CT diagnosis of unsuspected von Hippel-Lindau disease

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a hereditary disorder with complex, multi-organ involvement including retinal, central nervous system, and abdominal manifestations. We report a case of clinically unsuspected von Hippel-Lindau disease identified during computed tomography (CT) evaluation of a renal mass. The CT demonstration of a coexisting pancreatic tumor and renal cell carcinoma suggested the correct diagnosis of von Hippel-Lindau disease, which was subsequently confirmed. This case reemphasizes the value of preoperative assessment of renal tumors by CT. The finding of coexisting renal and pancreatic tumors should stimulate the search for further evidence of von Hippel-Lindau disease.     

A family of von Hippel-Lindau disease with renal cell carcinoma--case report and review of the literature

We report a 63-year-old woman with renal cell carcinoma associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease. The patient was referred to the department of neurosurgery at our hospital, complaining of gait disturbance. There was a history of retinal hemangioma. After further examination, von Hippel-Lindau disease was the conclusion with evidence of cerebellar hemangioblastoma. An abdominal CT-scan and arteriography revealed multiple hypervascular tumors in the right kidney, but not in the left. She underwent a right radical nephrectomy and lymphadenectomy 2 months after resection of a brain tumor. Von Hippel-Lindau disease is generally recognized as an autosomal-dominant inherited disorder. The patient had a positive family history, seen in both her younger brother and son. Both were diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma with central nervous system involvement before any sign of disease was found in the patient. Twenty one cases of von Hippel-Lindau disease associated with renal tumors have been reported in the Japanese literature. The clinical findings of these cases are discussed.     

Von Hippel—Lindau病肾癌的临床特征分析

目的 探讨Von Hippel-Lindau（VHL）病肾癌的临床特点。方法回顾分析28例VHL病肾癌患者的临床资料。就初诊年龄、肿瘤部位、同时或异时癌、肿瘤的组织病理等与散发性肾癌进行比较。结果VHL肾癌初诊年龄44．6岁，双肾癌15例、多灶性肾癌16例、伴双侧多发肾囊肿20例。共切除87个实性肿瘤。术后病理：透明细胞癌86个，Fuhrman分级Ⅰ级73个、Ⅱ级12个、Ⅲ级1个；钙化结节1个。TNM分期ⅠA期、ⅠB期、Ⅱ期、Ⅲ期分别为8例、7例、8例和1例。与散发性肾癌组相比，VHL病肾癌组患者发病年龄早（P〈0．05），双肾多灶性肾癌及伴双侧多发肾囊肿比例高（P〈O．001），高级别肿瘤比例低（P〈O．05）。结论VHL病肾癌不同于散发性肾癌，有其独特的临床病理特征，这对该病诊断治疗具有一定指导价值。     

Clear cell endocrine pancreatic tumor mimicking renal cell carcinoma: a distinctive neoplasm of von Hippel-Lindau disease

The dominantly inherited von Hippel-Lindau disease is characterized by clear cell neoplasms in various organs including the kidney and pancreas. Determination of primary versus metastatic lesion in this setting can be a diagnostic dilemma. The authors present five cases of clear cell endocrine pancreatic tumor (EPT) closely mimicking renal cell carcinomas in five patients with a family history or histologic evidence of von Hippel-Lindau disease. In fact, two of these tumors were confused with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by fine-needle aspiration. All five tumors had a component of clear cells arranged in nests, cords, and tubules with central hemorrhage separated by thin-wall vessels resembling renal cell carcinoma. However, these tumors also exhibited cords and festoons and a gyriform pattern suggestive of an endocrine neoplasm, and expressed chromogranin and synaptophysin. Vascular invasion was identified in four tumors, one of which metastasized. The concurrent primary renal cell carcinomas and the multicentric microcystic adenomas found in three patients did not show reactivity for the neuroendocrine markers. Focal clear cell change was noted in only one of 29 endocrine pancreatic tumors arising in patients without von Hippel-Lindau disease. Eleven metastatic renal cell carcinomas in the pancreas did not show immunoreactivity with the endocrine markers. Clear cell EPTs closely mimicking renal cell carcinoma are distinctive neoplasms of von Hippel-Lindau disease. In contrast to clear cell EPT, metastatic renal cell carcinoma does not express neuroendocrine markers and lacks neurosecretory granules by electron microscopy. Von Hippel-Lindau disease should be strongly suspected in patients with renal cell carcinoma, clear cell EPT, and multifocal microcystic serous adenomas.     

Prevalence of microscopic tumors in normal appearing renal parenchyma of patients with hereditary papillary renal cancer

PURPOSE: We describe the earliest renal lesions associated with hereditary papillary renal cancer and estimate the prevalence of microscopic papillary renal tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Grossly normal tissue was obtained from 12 kidneys during renal surgery in 9 patients with hereditary papillary renal cancer. Tissue was examined microscopically and findings were compared to those previously reported to be associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease and sporadic renal cell carcinoma. RESULTS: A total of 92 microscopic papillary renal cell carcinoma lesions were identified on 46 of 88 slides (53%). No other lesions were identified. All tumors were solid and displayed the basophilic papillary histology characteristic of hereditary papillary renal cancer. Extrapolation of the data predicted the prevalence of 1,100 to 3,400 microscopic papillary tumors in a single kidney in a patient with hereditary papillary renal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The basophilic papillary histology characteristic of clinically apparent renal tumors in patients with hereditary papillary renal cancer also characterizes the multiple microscopic lesions seen in the kidneys. These findings suggest that the earliest renal tumor in patients with an activating hereditary mutation of the met gene is papillary basophilic renal cancer. The large number of microscopic tumors in patients with hereditary papillary renal cancer was comparable to or greater than that seen in those with von Hippel-Lindau disease.     

Von Hippel-Lindau disease associated with renal cell carcinoma and bilateral cystadenoma of the epididymis: a case report]

We present a case report of von Hippel-Lindau disease associated with renal cell carcinoma and bilateral cystadenoma of the epididymis. A 26-year-old man appeared with painless tumors of the bilateral scrotal contents. Ultrasonography and other radiographic examinations including computed tomographic scan and dripinfusion pyelography showed multiocular tumors in the bilateral epididymis and a right renal tumor 3 cm in diameter. The tumors of the bilateral epididymis were surgically resected and of the right renal tumor enucleated. Histopathological examination revealed cystadenoma of the epididymis and renal cell carcinoma (clear cell carcinoma, G1, pT1a). He has not received adjuvant therapy, and is doing well with no evidence of metastatic disease 2 years after surgery.