Abstract

Objectives: Cystic renal cell carcinoma is a radiologic definition consisting of tumors arising from the wall or septa of the cyst. Bosniak classified the renal cysts into 4 categories to identify which of them has a potential malignancy. We evaluated our cases diagnosed and treated in our clinic retrospectively and discussed the place of Bosniak classification in clinical practice.

Material and Methods: 5 cystic renal cell carcinoma cases are analyzed among the renal tumors in our clinic operated between November 1994 and June 2002. Bosniak classification was done and the conformity of this classification was investigated.

Results: The incidence of cystic renal cell carcinoma was 2.2%. 2 cases were classified in Bosniak class I, the other 2 cases in class 4 and 1 case in class 2. Aspiration biopsy cytologic analysis was positive in 1 of 3 cases while intraoperative pathologic examination was found positive in 3 of 5 cases.

Conclusion: Bosniak classification alone isn’t competent in the management of renal cysts. Although we need futher studies, Bosniak classification must be considered important in evaluating the renal cysts.