Introduction: Renal oncocytoma is a rare benign tumour.
Clinical picture: A 73-year-old man presented with bilateral renal tumours, suggestive of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) and radical nephrectomy were performed. Both specimens revealed renal oncocytoma on final histology. A review of nephrectomy specimens showed 4 other solitary oncocytomas out of 250 RCCs over the period 1991 to 2000. Diagnosis of oncocytoma could only be firmly established by careful histological evaluation to exclude RCC.
Treatment: Renal oncocytoma carries a good prognosis. The use of NSS for synchronous bilateral renal masses is highlighted.
Conclusion: NSS is recommended for renal oncocytoma wherever possible.