Secondary Tumors of the Kidney: A Comprehensive Clinicopathologic Analysis

Abstract

Metastases to the kidney are rare and were historically described in autopsy series, and the incidence ranged between 2.36% and 12.6%. However, in the contemporary literature with the improvements in imaging modalities (computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging) and other health care screening services, metastatic tumors to the kidney are being diagnosed more frequently in surgical specimens. The utility of needle core biopsies in the primary evaluation of renal masses has also increased the number of sampled metastases, and as a result, only limited histologic material is available for evaluation in some cases and may potentially lead to diagnostic pitfalls. In the last decade, a few large clinical series have been published. In these series, the majority of metastatic tumors to the kidney are carcinomas, with the lung being the most common primary site. A significant number of the various tumor types with metastasis to the kidney are also associated with widespread metastases to other organs, and the renal metastasis may present several years after diagnosis of the primary tumor. The majority of secondary tumors of the kidney are asymptomatic, incidentally discovered, and solitary. There should be a high index of suspicion of metastasis to the kidney in patients with an associated enlarging renal lesion with minimal to no enhancement on imaging and tumor progression of a known high-grade nonrenal malignancy. Secondary tumors of the kidney can be accurately diagnosed by correlating histopathologic features with clinical and radiographic findings and the judicious use of ancillary studies.

Kidney Tumor Friends: A 15-Year History and Legacy of Ondřej Hes, MD, PhD (1968-2022)

“…Of note, there were also a number invited review articles on various renal tumor topics by some of the speakers of the most recent 2021 KTF on various renal tumor entities. [27][28][29][30] It is worth noting that the 2 GUPS critical review articles of the recent advances in renal neoplasia, led by Ondřej and other colleagues, paved the road for the 2022 WHO blue book. 31,32 Throughout its 15-year history, Ondřej Hes personally organized both scientific and social programs and he always stated "KTF would not have been possible without the generous support of friends, colleagues, as well as the Biopticka laboratory and its staff, in particular Irena Kratochvílová and David Michal."…”

“…Of note, there were also a number invited review articles on various renal tumor topics by some of the speakers of the most recent 2021 KTF on various renal tumor entities. 27–30 It is worth noting that the 2 GUPS critical review articles of the recent advances in renal neoplasia, led by Ondřej and other colleagues, paved the road for the 2022 WHO blue book. 31,32…”