Pathologic Findings in Ribs Removed at the Time of Radical Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Departmental policy to forego microscopic examination on some specimens can result from constraints of time, departmental budgets, and negligible yield of significant addi tional information. With this in mind, the value of microscopic examination of grossly normal ribs removed at the time of radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma was evaluated. From 1926 to 1988, 391 radical nephrectomies were performed for renal cell carcinoma. Rib sections were not present with any cases prior to 1969. In the 256 cases dating from 1969, 94 (36.7%) had a section of rib available for review. Significant pathologic findings were present in five cases (5.3%) and consisted of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (3 cases), multiple myeloma (1 case), and a myeloproliferative disorder (1 case). On chart review it became apparent that in only two cases was the abnormal ity detected clinically expected. In all cases the ribs had been described as being grossly normal, and clinical information provided did not suggest an abnormality. Int J Surg Pathol 1 (3):177-180, 1994