Revision of 12 cases of papillary adenocarcinoma of the kidney operated in this Unit over a period of 20 years, representing 6.03% of all renal adenocarcinomas. Their main characteristics were evaluated finding that they appear at a similar age than non papillary cases (55 years of age) and have a similar average size (9.1 cm). They show no differences with non papillary cases with regard to clinical signs and symptoms. Among the various diagnostic procedures used, the most typical one is the hypo or avascular patterned arteriography. The tendency to appear at low stages (79.9% in stage I and II) is higher than with the non papillary cases (51.86%), having a better prognosis than the latter.