Intrarenal satellites of renal cell carcinoma: histopathologic manifestation and clinical implication

Urology. 1995 Aug;46(2):161-4. doi: 10.1016/s0090-4295(99)80186-1.

Abstract

Objectives: This study was designed to gain more insight into the incidence of satellites of renal cell carcinoma related to the pathologic stage and grade of the primary tumor.

Methods: One hundred eight nephrectomized kidneys with renal cell carcinoma were sectioned at 3-mm intervals and inspected microscopically for satellite carcinomas. The number, site, size, and distance of satellite carcinomas found were recorded in relation to the primary carcinoma.

Results: The overall incidence of satellite carcinoma was 6.5% (7 of 108). The incidence of satellite carcinoma in relation to the pathologic staging of the primary tumor was 7.1% (1 of 14) in pT1, 3.0% (2 of 66) in pT2, and 14.3% (4 of 28) in pT3. The incidence was higher in patients with N1 disease (25%) than in those with NO (5.0%), and higher in M1 disease (25%) than in those in MO (5.77%). There was no relationship between the grade and multicentricity.

Conclusions: The incidence of satellite carcinoma was higher in cases with high-stage primary carcinoma. However, even in localized diseases (PT1, pT2), satellite carcinomas were found at at 3.75% incidence. When nephron-sparing surgery is indicated in low-stage cases, precise clinical staging using a combination of various imaging modalities is mandatory, with intraoperative ultrasonography being one possible modality for detecting a concomitant satellite carcinoma.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / pathology*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / surgery
  • Nephrectomy / methods