Undifferentiated renal cell carcinoma in infancy: report of a case and review of literature.

Abstract

A case of rapidly progressed undifferentiated renal cell carcinoma in a 2 2/12-month-old boy is reported. The histology is characterized by sarcomalike spindle and pleomorphic cells and bizarre giant cells, thus creating many difficulties in the differential diagnosis. The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma was established on the basis of tubular formation by clear and granular cells observed in a few discrete areas. The literature on renal cell carcinoma occurring under 10 years of age was reviewed, with special attention given to histological typing. It is generally believed that renal cell carcinoma in children is well differentiated, but 2 of 39 cases reviewed were undifferentiated. We conclude that renal cell carcinoma in infants or young children may have an undifferentiated, atypical histological appearance and can progress rapidly. The differential diagnosis from anaplastic Wilms' tumor and sarcomatous tumors of the kidney in children is discussed.