A rare pediatric renal tumor: classic congenital mesoblastic nephroma: two cases and review of literature

Abstract

Background Mesoblastic nephroma (Boland’s tumor) is the most common benign renal tumor occurring in infants and neonates. The most common presentation is abdominal mass, but it can have varied presentations because of associated paraneoplastic syndromes. Majority of these tumors can be cured with surgical excision alone; however, long-term follow-up is required for recurrence or metastasis. Histopathologically, it is divided into two subtypes: classic and cellular. The less common cellular congenital mesoblastic nephromas have cellular elements in them and tend to have a more malignant potential.
Patients and methods Two patients were studied over a period of 2 years from June 2010 to June 2012.
Results By reporting two patients presenting in the infantile period with classic congenital mesoblastic nephromas, an attempt is made in this paper to characterize the clinical behavior of this variety of renal tumors. Hypertension and paraneoplastic syndromes can be associated with this tumor. Herein we compare our experience with other similar cases reported in the literature.
Conclusion When renal tumors occur in infancy or at neonatal age, mesoblastic nephroma should be kept in mind. Association of hypertension and paraneoplastic syndromes should be looked for. Surgery is usually curative and postoperative follow-up for recurrence is required, more so in cellular variety.