Intra renal epidermal cyst simulating a renal tumor: A case report

Intrarenal epidermoid cyst mimicking a cystic renal cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature

“… 12 On the other hand, the deficiency origin is linked to vitamin A deficiency, which is known to induce keratinizing squamous metaplasia in the urothelium. 1 , 2 , 14 As mentioned in our case presentation, our patient did not have any history of trauma but did have a prior history of nephrolithotomy. Given this clinical context, the possible pathogenesis and etiology of the epidermoid cyst of our case could be attributed to chronic irritation and squamous metaplasia secondary to nephrolithiasis.…”

“…As illustrated in Table 1 , the main symptom in these documented cases is flank pain, which is not very distinctive, making the condition difficult to diagnose. 2 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 …”

“…One prevailing theory suggests that these cysts are formed due to atypical ectodermal placement during the embryonic stage, particularly from residual Wolffian duct tissues. 2 According to this perspective, the misplaced ectodermal cells contribute to the presence of epidermal tissue fragments within the renal architecture, which subsequently evolve into epidermoid cysts. 3 , 13 Moreover, squamous metaplasia has been proposed as the etiology of renal epidermoid cysts.…”

“…Their renal presentation poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. 1 , 2 Radiographically, they often resemble more neoplastic processes like cystic renal cell carcinoma, frequently prompting unnecessary nephrectomy. 2 Despite concerning imaging features, epidermoid cysts remain benign.…”

“…In contrast, dermoid cyst contains pilosebaceous appendages like hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands in addition to the keratinizing squamous coating. 2 Epidermoid and dermoid cysts can infrequently develop in atypical sites like the round ligament, sublingual region, bladder, and even within organs like the kidney. 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 …”