Lipoma of Renal Pelvis, Case Report of a Rare Upper Urinary Tract Tumor

Abstract

We report an exceptionally rare case, documenting the diagnosis and treatment of a lipoma of the renal pelvis in a 66-year-old White woman. This case represents the second reported lipoma in the upper urinary tract. An incidentally found filling defect in the right renal pelvis identified on CT scan in a 66-year-old woman resulted in referral to urology. Ureteroscopy was used to visualize, biopsy, and remove the tumor, with complete sparing of the kidney and associated structures. Histological analysis of the lesion revealed a benign tumor of mature adipocytes. The patient has been monitored for over 15 months postoperatively with no evidence of recurrence. This case serves as a reminder that many different nonmalignant lesions may be found throughout the upper urinary tract. It also highlights the kidney-sparing benefits of using ureteroscopic approaches whenever feasible in the timely diagnosis and treatment of upper urinary tract lesions.