Incidental renal cell carcinoma: pathologic features and survival rate.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in patients with symptomatic and incidental renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHODS

From October 1982 to December 1996, 200 patients with RCC were enrolled in this study. Their medical records were reviewed for symptoms, tumor stage, and lymph node and metastatic status. Symptomatic and incidental RCCs were compared by the overall survival rate of patients. The survival rate was determined by the Kaplan Meier method. Log rank testing was used to analyze the statistical difference in the survival period between both groups.

RESULTS

The proportion of incidental RCC was 21% (42/200). The majority of cases (73.8%) were diagnosed primarily by abdominal ultrasonography. Incidental RCCs were smaller in size than symptomatic RCCs (5.1 +/- 2.0 cm vs. 7.5 +/- 1.8 cm, p = 0.001). Incidental RCCs were of a lower stage, and patients with incidental RCCs had significantly longer overall survival rates than those with symptomatic RCCs (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography is a useful tool for the detection of incidental RCC. Improvement in the overall survival rate of incidental RCC patients suggests that when these tumors are identified earlier, treatment results are better.