Pitfalls in the management of infantile renal neoplasia

Abstract

This article addresses questions posed by a renal mass in early infancy. Are changes required in the standard approach to a renal mass in this age group? Are diagnostic possibilities transformed enough to warrant a change of approach in a setting like this? What are the ‘benign’ lesions that require consideration? What is the physician’s liability in performing a nephrectomy in a patient with a problem like this? A review of the literature suggests that the vast majority of renal space occupying lesions in children of this age are still Wilms’ tumor. Unless diagnostic refinements reach a higher level, the present protocols should be persisted with.

Keywords: cystic nephroma, infancy, liability, pyelonephritis, renal mass, Wilms tumor, xanthogranulomatous