Latency of Thorotrast-Induced Renal Tumours

Abstract

A case of thorotrast-induced renal tumour is reported. The relevant literature is briefly surveyed. The latency periods to tumour detection in the published cases were analyzed. Latency was longer in transitional cell carcinoma than in the other histological tumour types. The difference was statistically significant. It is concluded that discovery of more cases of thorotrast-induced renal tumour is to be expected. The importance of bearing this possibility in mind when confronted with roentgenograms showing ‘calcifications’ in or near the kidney is pointed out.