Renal adenoma -- a misnomer.
Because it is difficult histologically to differentiate between a renal cell carcinoma and a renal adenoma, their differentiation has been based on size. Lesions less than 3 cm. have been called adenomas and those greater than 3 cm. carcinomas. It is a widely accepted concept that adenomas evolve into adenocarcinomas, and it is true that lesions less than 3 cm. rarely metastasize. However, as demonstrated by this case and others, metastasis can occur, therefore, it is suggested that the term renal adenoma no longer be used.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D000236:Adenoma / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009626:Terminology as Topic