Metanephric adenoma: molecular study and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Metanephric adenoma (MA) is an uncommon benign tumor accounting for 0.2–0.7% of adult renal epithelial neoplasms. The clinical course is often indolent, but diagnosis should not be delayed since clinical symptoms (hematuria, fever, palpable abdominal mass, and flank pain) may be non-specific and overlap with those of a malign renal neoplasm. We report on 4 cases of AM, for which morphological and mutational analysis were performed.

Material and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed on sections cut from paraffin blocks to assess expression of WT1, vimentin, racemase, CK7, CD10 and RCC. Testing for the BRAF gene mutation V600 was carried out using real-time PCR (Cobas^® 4800).

Results: In all four cases, tumors were visible as well-circumscribed, non-encapsulated masses located in the renal cortex and extending towards the medulla. At immunohistochemical examination, tumor cells stained negative for CK7, CD10 and RCC and positive for both WT1 (nuclear, intense) and vimentin (cytoplasmic, intense, and diffuse). Molecular analysis revealed the BRAF gene mutation V600E in three cases and wild-type BRAF in the fourth.

Conclusions: BRAF molecular mutation analysis may aid diagnosis in cases with atypical histological features, especially in small incisional biopsies when reassessment of surgical treatment may be considered.