Renal hemangioendothelioma.

Renal hemangioendothelioma (HE) is an extremely rare malignant tumor. The sixth case is presented and all six analysed. The tumor affects middle-aged persons of either sex with past history of chronic renal disease and very recent onset of renal pain and hematuria. Anemia is common and a renal mass or tenderness is present. Pyelography shows poor function hydronephrosis, filling defect or collecting system distortion. A radical nephrectomy and radiotherapy is indicated and histology establishes the diagnosis. Renal HE appears to take a hurricane course and local recurrence and widespread vascular metastases occur in a matter of days or weeks after traditional cancer therapy. Industrial carcinogenesis is likely while chronic renal disease may predispose.