- 1Department of Ultrasound, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan People’s Hospital, Dongguan, China
- 2Department of Pathology, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan People’s Hospital, Dongguan, China
- 3Department of Radiology, The Tenth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan People’s Hospital, Dongguan, China
Background: This report presents an exceptionally rare case of bilateral synchronous renal tumors comprising papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) and renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma (RCC-FMS) in a single patient. No prior cases of this specific combination occurring synchronously and bilaterally have been reported.
Case presentation: A 65-year-old man presented with incidentally detected bilateral renal masses. Abdominal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed distinct imaging characteristics for each tumor. The right kidney mass was exophytic, heterogeneous, and hypovascular on ultrasound, showing marked heterogeneous enhancement with hypoenhancing foci on CT. The left kidney mass was a well-circumscribed, mixed-attenuation nodule with peripheral/septal enhancement on CT. The patient underwent bilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed PRNRP in the right kidney (CK7+, GATA3+, Ki-67 approximately 2%) and RCC-FMS in the left kidney (PAX-8+, CA IX+, CD10+, Ki-67 approximately 3%). Real-time quantitative-PCR testing was positive for a KRAS exon 2 mutation, but was negative for NRAS (exons 2-4) and BRAF V600 (exon 15) mutations.
Conclusion: This represents the first documented case of synchronous bilateral occurrence of PRNRP and RCC-FMS. It highlights significant diagnostic challenges due to overlapping imaging features with more common renal tumors. It underscores the critical role of multimodal imaging (ultrasound, CT) combined with meticulous histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetic analysis for accurate diagnosis. The generally indolent nature of both tumors supported successful nephron-sparing surgical management. This unique case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for rare tumor subtypes and a multidisciplinary approach to optimize the diagnosis and tailored treatment of complex renal masses.
1 Introduction
Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP), a rare renal tumor, is characterized by apical nuclear positioning, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and frequent KRAS mutations. Typically appearing as small incidental nodules with right kidney predominance, it exhibits indolent behavior without reported metastases (1). In contrast, renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma (RCC-FMS) features clear cell epithelia embedded in smooth muscle stroma and mTOR pathway alterations (2). Though most cases are organ-confined, rare lymph node metastases occur in tuberous sclerosis complex-associated variants (3).
To our knowledge, there are no prior reports of bilateral synchronous rare renal tumors: PRNRP and RCC-FMS, which present significant diagnostic challenges due to their rarity and the need to differentiate them from more common mediastinal tumors. In this study, we present an extremely rare case of Bilateral Synchronous Rare Renal Tumors: PRNRP and RCC-FMS, which were characterized by ultrasound, computed tomography, and confirmed by pathology.
2 Case presentation
A 65-year-old man was referred to our hospital following the detection of bilateral renal masses during an evaluation at a community hospital two weeks prior. His medical history included laparoscopic left adrenal adenoma resection more than ten years ago and a four-year history of coronary heart disease status post cardiac stent placement. He was currently on standard medical therapy, including nifedipine, benazepril, bisoprolol, and atorvastatin.
Abdominal ultrasound demonstrated bilateral renal masses, with the right kidney showing an oval, well-defined, and heterogeneous mass (Figure 1A) without significant internal blood flow (Figure 1B). A well-defined, regular, heterogeneous cystic-solid mass with solid predominance was observed in the left kidney (Figure 1C), showing irregular hypoechoic areas without significant internal vascularity (Figure 1D).
Figure 1. Abdominal ultrasound of bilateral synchronous rare renal tumors. (A) Grayscale ultrasound showed an oval, well-defined, heterogeneous mass (arrow) in the right kidney. (B) Color Doppler flow imaging showed no significant blood flow within the right renal mass (arrow). (C) Grayscale ultrasound showed a well-defined, heterogeneous cystic-solid mass (arrow) in the left kidney, with solid predominance and irregular hypoechoic areas. (D) Color Doppler flow imaging showed no significant vascularity in the left renal mass (arrow).
Computed tomography demonstrated bilateral renal nodules with distinct imaging characteristics. The right kidney exhibited an exophytic, roundish soft-tissue attenuation nodule that appeared heterogeneous on unenhanced images (Figure 2A). Following contrast administration, the lesion showed marked heterogeneous enhancement during cortical and medullary phases, containing roundish hypoenhancing foci, with subsequent decreased enhancement during excretory phase while maintaining well-defined margins and persistent internal heterogeneity (Figures 2B–D). Meanwhile, the left kidney lower pole contained a well-circumscribed, mixed-attenuation nodule (Figure 2E) demonstrating internal heterogeneity and characteristic peripheral and septal enhancement post-contrast (Figures 2F–H).
Figure 2. Computed tomography of bilateral synchronous rare renal tumors. (A) Plain computed tomography showed an exophytic, round, heterogeneous soft-tissue attenuation mass (arrow) in the right kidney. (B-D) Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed marked heterogeneous enhancement during the cortical and medullary phases, with round hypoenhancing foci. Enhancement decreases in the excretory phase while the lesion maintains well-defined margins and persistent internal heterogeneity (arrow). (E) Plain computed tomography showed a well-circumscribed, heterogeneous mass (arrow) with mixed attenuation in the left kidney. (F-H) Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed characteristic peripheral and septal enhancement, with progressive contrast retention in the delayed phase (arrow).
The patient underwent laparoscopic nephron-sparing bilateral partial nephrectomy. Gross examination of the right kidney revealed a gray-yellow tissue mass measuring 4.5 × 3 × 2.5 cm. Upon sectioning, a well-circumscribed nodule with a capsule was identified, displaying a gray-red, soft, solid cut surface with a fine papillary texture. The surgical margin was inked, and the entire lesion was submitted for histologic evaluation. Pathology identified a PRNRP in the right kidney (Figures 3A–C), with immunohistochemistry showing positivity for CK, CK7, GATA3, 34βE12, FH, and SDHB, partial positive for CK20, TFE-3, and Vim, while AMACR, CA IX, CD10, RCC, and HMB-45 were negative, and a Ki-67 proliferation index of approximately 2% (Figures 3D–I). Analysis of somatic hotspot mutations across exons 2 to 4 of the KRAS and NRAS genes, along with the BRAF V600 mutation, was conducted via real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. This analysis demonstrated a mutation in KRAS Exon 2, while no corresponding mutations were detected in NRAS or at the BRAF V600 locus (Figure 4). Gross examination of the left kidney specimen showed a gray-red tissue mass measuring 3.5 × 3.0 × 2.8 cm, containing a nodule measuring 2.6 × 2.0 × 2.0 cm. The cut surface was gray-white to gray-red, solid, and moderately firm, with a relatively clear boundary from the surrounding renal parenchyma. Focal microcystic changes were noted. The entire nodule was submitted for pathological assessment, which established the diagnosis of RCC-FMS (Figures 5A–C), immunohistochemically positive for CK, Vim, PAX-8, RCC, CA IX, CD10, SDHB, and FH, partial positive for CK7 and TFE-3, negative for 34βE12, AMACR, and CD117, with a Ki-67 proliferation index of approximately 3% (Figures 5D–I). During the 10-month follow-up postoperatively, no recurrence or metastasis was reported (Figure 6).
Figure 3. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity in the right kidney. (A) H&E staining revealed a well-demarcated tumor under low-power microscopy. (B) Papillary architecture of the tumor. (C) Characteristic reverse nuclear polarity with apical positioning of nuclei. (D) Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated diffuse CK7 positivity. (E) Strong nuclear expression of GATA3. (F) AMACR was negative. (G) CD10 was negative. (H) Vimentin was positive in scattered individual cells. (I) Ki-67 was approximately 2%.
Figure 4. The KRAS mutation status of the papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis revealed a KRAS mutation in exon 2 (G12C, G12R, G12V, G12A, or G13C) in the papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity.
Figure 5. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma in the left kidney. (A) H&E staining revealed a well-demarcated tumor nodule under low-power microscopy. (B) Tumor cells with clear cytoplasm arranged in nests/alveolar patterns. (C) Prominent fibromyomatous stroma. (D) Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated diffuse membranous positivity for CA IX. (E) Focal CK7 immunoreactivity. (F) CD10 was positive. (G) Vimentin was positive. (H) AMACR showed abnormal membranous staining pattern (interpreted as negative). (I) Ki-67 was approximately 3%.
3 Discussion
The present case of bilateral synchronous renal tumors, comprising PRNRP in the right kidney and RCC-FMS in the left kidney, represents an exceptionally rare clinical scenario. This unique combination underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by rare renal neoplasms and highlights the critical role of multimodal imaging, histopathology, and multidisciplinary collaboration in achieving accurate diagnosis and tailored management.
3.1 Imaging and diagnostic challenges
The imaging features observed in this case align with previously reported characteristics of PRNRP and RCC-FMS but also illustrate the complexities of differentiating these entities from more common renal tumors. The right kidney mass exhibited typical PRNRP findings, including small size, exophytic growth, heterogeneous enhancement, and cystic components with high pre-contrast attenuation (4, 5). These features, while suggestive of PRNRP, overlap with other hypovascular tumors such as fat-poor angiomyolipoma or papillary renal cell carcinoma (6, 7). The left kidney mass demonstrated the hallmark stromal heterogeneity of RCC-FMS, with mixed attenuation on CT and peripheral/septal enhancement, mimicking cystic or necrotic changes seen in clear cell RCC (8, 9). The absence of macroscopic fat helped exclude AML, while the lack of marked hypervascularity distinguished it from conventional clear cell RCC.
The coexistence of these two distinct tumors in a single patient further complicated the preoperative diagnosis (10). PRNRP’s indolent behavior and RCC-FMS’s variable clinical course necessitated careful imaging-pathologic correlation to avoid misclassification and overtreatment. This case emphasizes the importance of considering rare tumor subtypes in the differential diagnosis of renal masses, particularly when imaging features deviate from typical patterns.
3.2 Pathological and molecular correlations
Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were instrumental in establishing the definitive diagnoses of both tumors. The right renal tumor exhibited the classic morphological features of PRNRP, including papillary architecture, eosinophilic cytoplasm, and the pathognomonic apical nuclear polarity. Immunohistochemically, the tumor demonstrated a characteristic profile with strong and diffuse positivity for CK7 and GATA3, focal positivity for CK20 and TFE3, and negativity for AMACR, CA IX, and CD10. The tabulated data from 385 cases revealed that PRNRP is defined by near-constant expression of GATA3 (98.96%), CK7 (97.18%), and EMA (100%), while typically showing low rates of positivity for AMACR (41.05%), CD10 (29.83%), and Vimentin (11.92%). The Ki-67 proliferation index was low at approximately 2%. Furthermore, molecular analysis confirmed a KRAS exon 2 mutation, which is a molecular hallmark of PRNRP, being present in 82.97% (268/323) of reported cases (Table 1), while no mutations were detected in NRAS or BRAF V600.
Table 1. Immunohistochemical markers and KRAS mutation status of the patients with PRNRP in the literature.
In contrast, the left renal tumor was diagnosed as RCC-FMS, histologically characterized by nests of clear cells embedded within a prominent fibromyomatous stroma. Its immunohistochemical profile was distinct, showing positivity for PAX-8, CA IX, and CD10, partial positivity for CK7, and negativity for AMACR and CD117. The Ki-67 index was also low at approximately 3%. Although specific molecular testing for mTOR pathway genes was not performed in our case, the existing literature indicates frequent alterations in the TSC/MTOR pathway in RCC-FMS (Table 2), which is characterized by frequent expression of CK7 (100%), CD10 (87.5%), Vimentin (100%), and CA IX (100%) in the limited number of cases with available data.
Table 2. Immunohistochemical markers and gene mutation status of the patients with RCCFMS in the literature.
While PRNRP, RCCFMS, and adrenal adenomas are distinct entities, their co-occurrence in this patient—who also has a history of an adrenal adenoma surgically removed some time ago—raises the possibility of underlying connections, though the temporal distance may make a direct relationship less certain. Several hypotheses could be considered, such as a shared embryonic origin where localized developmental anomalies or dysregulated signaling pathways like Wnt/β-catenin might simultaneously affect adrenal and renal tissues (38). Alternatively, a paracrine influence from the adrenal adenoma, potentially secreting unrecognized growth factors such as IGF or VEGF, could foster a microenvironment conducive to renal tumor development (39). A common genetic susceptibility, whether germline or somatic, might also lower the threshold for tumor formation in both organs (40). Nevertheless, the possibility of coincidence cannot be ruled out.
The concurrent diagnosis of a KRAS-driven PRNRP and a TSC/mTOR pathway-associated RCC-FMS, accompanied by an adrenal adenoma, forms a distinctive clinical scenario. This rare constellation of tumors raises important questions regarding potential common pathogenic mechanisms. Although their well-defined molecular profiles confirm these as separate entities, their simultaneous emergence points toward a possible shared systemic predisposition. Comprehensive molecular analysis may determine whether their coexistence signifies a meaningful pathogenic link or a remarkable coincidence, potentially yielding new insights into multi-organ tumorigenesis and enriching our understanding of such complex presentations.
3.3 Clinical implications and management
The indolent behavior of PRNRP and the generally favorable prognosis of RCC-FMS guided the decision for nephron-sparing surgery, which is curative in most cases. This approach aligns with current recommendations for small, localized renal tumors with low malignant potential.
For PRNRP, the primary treatment is surgical resection. Partial nephrectomy is the preferred approach for most small tumors (typically <4 cm), as it completely removes the tumor while preserving healthy renal tissue and minimizing the risk of postoperative renal insufficiency (29, Mg==). In cases of larger or more complex tumors, or when partial nephrectomy is not feasible, radical nephrectomy may be considered. For elderly patients, those with significant comorbidities, or limited life expectancy, active surveillance with regular imaging may be appropriate, especially for small, slow-growing tumors. Ablation therapies (e.g., radiofrequency or cryoablation) represent alternatives for patients who are unfit for or decline surgery (31). For advanced or metastatic PRNRP, targeted therapy and immunotherapy may be considered, although specific agents targeting common mutations like KRAS are not yet established.
For RCC-FMS, surgical resection remains the primary and often curative treatment. Partial nephrectomy is suitable for smaller, favorably located tumors, aligning with its typically indolent course, while radical nephrectomy may be required for larger or complex lesions (9). Active surveillance is a viable option for small tumors, elderly patients, or those with significant comorbidities, particularly when biopsy confirms low-grade, indolent behavior. Given the association of RCC-FMS with alterations in the TSC/MTOR pathway, mTOR inhibitors (e.g., everolimus, temsirolimus) represent a potential targeted therapeutic option for advanced, metastatic, or inoperable cases, though clinical data remain limited (2). Accurate diagnosis is crucial, as RCC-FMS must be distinguished from other renal cell carcinomas (e.g., clear cell RCC, clear cell papillary RCC, ELOC-mutated RCC) with different management strategies and prognoses.
However, the presence of bilateral synchronous tumors necessitated individualized risk stratification: PRNRP’s negligible metastatic risk justified conservative resection, while RCC-FMS’s rare aggressive potential warranted close surveillance. This case also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Radiologists, urologists, and pathologists must work together to integrate imaging findings, histopathology, and molecular data to optimize diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. For instance, intraoperative frozen section analysis could aid in confirming tumor margins and subtypes, ensuring appropriate surgical extent.
3.4 Limitations and future directions
The rarity of these tumors limits the generalizability of findings, and the absence of long-term follow-up precludes definitive conclusions about outcomes. Prospective multicenter studies and larger cohorts are needed to refine diagnostic criteria and establish evidence-based management guidelines. Advanced imaging techniques, such as multiparametric MRI or radiomics, may further improve preoperative differentiation of rare renal neoplasms.
4 Conclusion
This case represents the first documented coexistence of PRNRP and RCC-FMS as bilateral synchronous renal tumors. It underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by rare renal neoplasms and the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve accurate classification and tailored therapy. Radiologists and urologists should maintain a high index of suspicion for rare tumor subtypes when encountering renal masses with atypical imaging features, ensuring optimal patient outcomes through precision medicine. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying such rare synchronous presentations to guide personalized management strategies.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Ethics statement
The studies involving humans were approved by Dongguan People’s Hospital Medical Ethics Committee. The studies were conducted in accordance with the local legislation and institutional requirements. Written informed consent for participation was not required from the participants or the participants’ legal guardians/next of kin in accordance with the national legislation and institutional requirements. Written informed consent was obtained from the individual(s) for the publication of any potentially identifiable images or data included in this article. Written informed consent was obtained from the participant/patient(s) for the publication of this case report.
Author contributions
GC: Data curation, Writing – original draft. WL: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Writing – review & editing. JM: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Writing – review & editing. YL: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Writing – review & editing. XML: Data curation, Formal Analysis, Writing – review & editing. XLL: Funding acquisition, Resources, Supervision, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Generative AI statement
The author(s) declare that no Generative AI was used in the creation of this manuscript.
Any alternative text (alt text) provided alongside figures in this article has been generated by Frontiers with the support of artificial intelligence and reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, including review by the authors wherever possible. If you identify any issues, please contact us.
Publisher’s note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Supplementary material
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2025.1668258/full#supplementary-material
References
1. Xing C, Tian H, Zhang Y, Zhang L, and Kong J. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a case report. Front Oncol. (2023) 13:1072213. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1072213
2. Bava EP, Gupta N, Alruwaii FI, Nelson R, and Al-Obaidy KI. Recurrent MTOR mutations in renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma: a report of 2 tumors. Int J Surg Pathol. (2024) 32:1409–14. doi: 10.1177/10668969241228295
3. Gupta S, McCarthy MR, Tjota MY, Antic T, and Cheville JC. Metastatic renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma associated with tuberous sclerosis or MTOR, TSC1/TSC2-mutations: a series of 4 cases and a review of the literature. Hum Pathol. (2024) 153:105680. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2024.105680
4. Wen X, Kang H, Bai X, Ning X, Li C, Yi S, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: CT and MR imaging characteristics in 26 patients. Acad Radiol. (2025) 32:2787–96. doi: 10.1016/j.acra.2024.12.017
5. Lee HJ, Kim TM, Cho JY, Moon MH, Moon KC, and Kim SY. CT imaging analysis differentiating papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity from papillary renal cell carcinoma: combined with a radiomics model. Jpn J Radiol. (2024) 42:1458–68. doi: 10.1007/s11604-024-01631-2
6. Zhang L, Sun K, Shi L, Qiu J, Wang X, and Wang S. Ultrasound image-based deep features and radiomics for the discrimination of small fat-poor angiomyolipoma and small renal cell carcinoma. Ultrasound Med Biol. (2023) 49:560–8. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.10.009
7. Chen G, Liu W, Liao XM, and Xie YH. Ultrasonography findings of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. Med Ultrason. (2022) 24:503–4. doi: 10.11152/mu-3902
8. Zhao Y, Tao B, He Y, and Wang L. Renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma: an uncommon case. Asian J Surg. (2024) 47:3588–9. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.04.014
9. Haouane MA, Hajji F, Ghoundale O, and Azami MA. Renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma: a new case. Cureus. (2022) 14:e32238. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32238
10. Diana P, Amparore D, Bertolo R, Capitanio U, Erdem S, Kara O, et al. Unmet needs in the management of patients with bilateral synchronous renal masses: the rationale for clinical decision-making. Minerva Urol Nephrol. (2024) 76:691–7. doi: 10.23736/S2724-6051.24.05894-4
11. Zhou L, Xu J, Wang S, Yang X, Li C, Zhou J, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a clinicopathologic study of 7 cases. Int J Surg Pathol. (2020) 28:728–34. doi: 10.1177/1066896920918289
12. Al-Obaidy KI, Saleeb RM, Trpkov K, Williamson SR, Sangoi AR, Nassiri M, et al. Recurrent KRAS mutations are early events in the development of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. Mod Pathol. (2022) 35:1279–86. doi: 10.1038/s41379-022-01018-6
13. Yang T, Kang E, Zhang L, Zhuang J, Li Y, Jiang Y, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity may be a novel renal cell tumor entity with low Malignant potential. Diagn Pathol. (2022) 17:66. doi: 10.1186/s13000-022-01235-2
14. Wang T, Ding X, Huang X, Ye J, Li H, Cao S, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity—a comparative study with CCPRCC, OPRCC, and PRCC1. Hum Pathol. (2022) 129:60–70. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.07.010
15. Shen M, Yin X, Bai Y, Zhang H, Ru G, He X, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a clinicopathological and molecular genetic characterization of 16 cases with expanding the morphologic spectrum and further support for a novel entity. Front Oncol. (2022) 12:930296. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.930296
16. Zuo Y, Liang Z, Xiao Y, Pan B, Yan W, and Wu X. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity with a favorable prognosis: two cases report and literature review. Front Oncol. (2022) 12:1011422. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1011422
17. Liu Y, Zhang H, Li X, Wang S, Zhang Y, Zhang X, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity with a favorable prognosis should be separated from papillary renal cell carcinoma. Hum Pathol. (2022) 127:78–85. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2022.06.016
18. Wei S, Kutikov A, Patchefsky AS, Flieder DB, Talarchek JN, Al-Saleem T, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity is often cystic: report of 7 cases and review of 93 cases in the literature. Am J Surg Pathol. (2022) 46:336–43. doi: 10.1097/PAS.0000000000001773
19. Kim B, Lee S, and Moon KC. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a clinicopathologic study of 43 cases with a focus on the expression of KRAS signaling pathway downstream effectors. Hum Pathol. (2023) 142:1–6. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.09.011
20. Nova-Camacho LM, Martin-Arruti M, Díaz IR, and Panizo-Santos Á. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a clinical, pathologic, and molecular study of 8 renal tumors from a single institution. Arch Pathol Lab Med. (2023) 147:692–700. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0156-OA
21. Satturwar S and Parwani AV. Cytomorphology of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. Cytojournal. (2023) 20:43. doi: 10.25259/Cytojournal_9_2023
22. Li D, Liu F, Chen Y, Li P, Liu Y, and Pang Y. Ipsilateral synchronous papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and urothelial carcinoma in a renal transplant recipient: a rare case report with molecular analysis and literature review. Diagn Pathol. (2023) 18:120. doi: 10.1186/s13000-023-01405-w
23. Shao Y and Zhuang Q. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: two case reports. Asian J Surg. (2024) 48(01):626–7. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.07.057
24. Han H, Yin SY, Song RX, Zhao J, Yu YW, He MX, et al. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: an observational study of histology, immunophenotypes, and molecular variation. Transl Androl Urol. (2024) 13:383–96. doi: 10.21037/tau-23-518
25. Nemours S, Armesto M, Arestín M, Manini C, Giustetto D, Sperga M, et al. Non-coding RNA and gene expression analyses of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (PRNRP) reveal distinct pathological mechanisms from other renal neoplasms. Pathology. (2024) 56:493–503. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.11.013
26. Sugawara E, Inamura K, Akiya M, Dobashi A, Oguchi T, Yonese J, et al. Unclassified renal cell carcinoma with reverse polarity and pathogenic von Hippel-Lindau mutation in a congenital renal malformation. Int J Surg Pathol. (2025) Online ahead of print. doi: 10.1177/10668969251363265
27. Gonda T, Yamaji D, Yunaga H, Murakami A, Ochiai R, Ozaki K, et al. Two cases of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Yonago Acta Med. (2025) 68:161–4. doi: 10.33160/yam.2025.05.008
28. Nithagon P, Chahine J, Stamatakis L, and Samdani R. Synchronous papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low Malignant potential in unilateral kidney: case report with molecular analysis and literature review. Front Oncol. (2025) 15:1605192. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1605192
29. Xing Q, Zhong M, Li X, Cao T, Liu X, Wang F, et al. Synchronous papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and membranous nephropathy: a rare case report. Front Oncol. (2025) 15:1512036. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1512036
30. Wang G, Zhang L, Zhou L, Xu H, Yang X, Zheng Z, et al. Small papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity (≤ 15 mm) may challenge the current diagnostic criteria of papillary adenoma. Virchows Arch. (2025) 487:175–82. doi: 10.1007/s00428-025-04129-y
31. Tu X, Zhuang X, Chen Q, Wang W, and Huang C. Rare papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a case report and review of the literature. Front Oncol. (2023) 13:1101268. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1101268
32. Lee YI, Park JM, Yoon SY, Song C, and Cho YM. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity shows benign behavior: results from a 77-case clinicopathological and molecular study. Ann Diagn Pathol. (2025) 80:152498. doi: 10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2025.152498
33. Vangapandu S, Malla HS, Das MK, Tripathy T, and Ayyanar P. Papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity along with papillary adenoma in a non-functioning kidney: a rare report. Pathology. (2025) 57:805–8. doi: 10.1016/j.pathol.2025.04.012
34. Lobo J, Castro J, Azevedo J, Lobo C, Rodrigues Â, Braga I, et al. Cytological features of the emerging entity papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity: a case report highlighting the relevance of fine-needle aspiration in renal masses. Pathobiology. (2025) 92:288–93. doi: 10.1159/000545894
35. Wu SJ, Renshaw AA, Sadow PM, Mahadevan NR, Hirsch MS, Manoharan M, et al. Cytologic diagnosis of papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity. Cancer Cytopathol. (2025) 133:e22903. doi: 10.1002/cncy.22903
36. Liu Y, Zhou L, Xu H, Gu Y, Dong L, Yang X, et al. Mutated ASXL1 upregulates mTOR expression in renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma. Virchows Arch. (2024) 485:379–82. doi: 10.1007/s00428-023-03667-7
37. Baranova K, Houpt JA, Arnold D, House AA, Lockau L, Ninivirta L, et al. Renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma (RCC FMS) and with hemangioblastoma-like areas is part of the RCC FMS spectrum in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. Histopathology. (2025) 87(5):687–99. doi: 10.1111/his.15505
38. Zhang Z, Li M, Sun T, Zhang Z, and Liu C. FOXM1: functional roles of FOXM1 in non-malignant diseases. Biomolecules. (2023) 13:857. doi: 10.3390/biom13050857
39. De Sousa K, Abdellatif AB, Giscos-Douriez I, Meatchi T, Amar L, Fernandes-Rosa FL, et al. Colocalization of Wnt/β-catenin and ACTH signaling pathways and paracrine regulation in aldosterone-producing adenoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. (2022) 107:419–34. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab707
Keywords: renal tumors, synchronous tumors, papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity, renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma, ultrasound, computed tomography, pathology
Citation: Chen G, Liao X, Liu W, Meng J, Li Y and Leng X (2025) Bilateral synchronous papillary renal neoplasm with reverse polarity and renal cell carcinoma with fibromyomatous stroma: a case report and review of the literature. Front. Oncol. 15:1668258. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1668258
Received: 17 July 2025; Accepted: 10 November 2025; Revised: 16 October 2025;
Published: 24 November 2025.
Edited by:
Tatsuya Takayama, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, JapanReviewed by:
Sri Manjari K., Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), IndiaOvais Shafi, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Pakistan
Copyright © 2025 Chen, Liao, Liu, Meng, Li and Leng. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Xiaoling Leng, bGVuZ3hpYW9saW5nNjAwMTdAMTYzLmNvbQ==
†These authors have contributed equally to this work
Xiaomin Liao2†