HISTOPATHOLOGY OF CHILDHOOD RENAL TUMORS

Although childhood renal tumors constitute only a small group of neoplasms, they are characterized by a great diversity of cell types. In some cases, this diversity may cause considerable diagnostic difficulties. A precise diagnosis, however, even after preoperative therapy, is essential, as histopathology is clearly correlated with prognosis, and therefore has a major influence on treatment modalities. This article will describe the essential histomorphologic findings of renal tumors encountered in childhood with an emphasis on Wilms tumor and its special variants.