Renal Cyst Versus Tumor: A Continuing Dilemma

Abstract

Patients (13) with renal cystic lesions who underwent full radiological investigation and remained undiagnosed preoperatively are reported. Of 13 cysts, 3 ultimately proved to be malignant at surgical exploration. A retrospective review of these cases failed to reveal any additional features at would have aided in preoperative diagnosis. Despite the high accuracy obtainable by radiological investigation, diagnostic surgical exploration is warranted in a small proportion of patients with renal cystic lesions.