Renal tumors (i.e., abnormal growths within the kidney) encompass both benign and malignant entities. The pathologist plays a key role in determining the nature of the growth (i.e., benign or malignant) by evaluating the tumor with a microscope. It is essential to distinguish between these two categories, as malignant tumors possess the potential to spread or metastasize throughout the body, while benign tumors typically follow a less aggressive course and stay limited to the organ. Benign growths may be followed clinically or surgically removed. Excision is often considered if the benign mass, by virtue of its location, is pressing on the bowel or a blood vessel. The removal of a benign growth via surgical excision is typically curative. Therefore, the need for accurate differentiation between benign and malignant renal tumors cannot be emphasized enough as it is imperative for appropriate patient care and management. All this information is recorded and reported in the pathology report. The report is shared with the surgeon, or the primary care physician, who will review and discuss the findings with the patient. In this review we will discuss the histomorphology and challenges in diagnosis of some of the more frequently occurring benign renal neoplasms.
Karne et al. (Wed,) studied this question.