To investigate the imaging characteristics, diagnosis methods, treatment options and prognosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma.

The clinical data of 14 patients with cystic renal cell carcinoma registered at our center from May 2013 to December 2016 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The clinical manifestation, imaging characteristics, diagnosis methods, treatment options and prognosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma combining relevant literature were discussed.

The maximum diameter of tumor ranged from 1.8 cm to 8.1 cm, and the median maximum diameter of tumor was 3.3 cm. Radical nephrectomy was performed in 6 cases and partial nephrectomy in 8 cases. There were 4 and 10 patients underwent open nephrectomy and minimally invasive nephrectomy respectively. 9 cases were classified as T1a, 4 cases as T1b and 1 case as T2a for TNM staging. Postoperative pathologic examination demonstrated 5 cases of clear renal cell carcinoma with cystic changes and 9 cases of multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma. Postoperative complications included 1 case of incisional fat liquefaction and 1 case of lymphatic fistula and they were discharged from hospital after conservative treatment. No local recurrence, metastasis and death were found within follow-up time of 1~44 months.

Cystic renal cell carcinoma is a rare subtype of renal tumors and has low malignant potential with excellent prognosis after surgical treatment. It has specific morphologic features in CT scan. Nephron sparing surgery should be regarded as the preferred surgical technique.