ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF RENAL-CELL CARCINOMA AND ADENOMA IN CHILDHOOD

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cytologic features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and renal papillary adenoma in children. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of three cases of RCC and one of renal papillary adenoma. RESULTS: Cyt ologic features of pediatric RCC were essentially the same as those se en in adults and are characterized by cells with abundant, vacuolated cytoplasm with pleomorphic nuclei. RCC should be distinguished from th e more common Wilms' tumor. Cells with abundant, vacuolated cytoplasm and absence of blastemal cells were two important distinguishing featu res. A large number of papillae, intranuclear inclusions and magenta b odies were important cytologic features of renal papillary adenoma. CO NCLUSION Cytologic features of ACC and adenoma in childhood are charac teristic, and preoperative diagnosis of these cases is possible by asp iration cytology.