What is oncocytoma?

11 December 2025

It is a low-incidence, benign tumor, usually asymptomatic, caused by cells called oncocytes. It can arise in different organs and tissues such as the kidneys, thyroid, and salivary glands. Occasionally, it appears in the pituitary gland, respiratory tract, larynx, and adrenal glands.

Oncocytoma is classified as:

  • Pituitary
  • Adrenal
  • Renal
  • Thyroid

The origin of oncocytoma is not fully identified, but it is known to begin with an abnormality in some cells, which develop and multiply out of control, accumulating and forming a tumor.

Likewise, in some cases, oncocytomas have been observed to develop after radiotherapy treatment.

Elderly men are the population segment most commonly affected by oncocytomas.

Signs and symptoms Oncocytoma

Since it is a slow-growing tumor, the symptoms also develop gradually and depend on where the tumor is located, but typically include:

  • Pain in the lower back (lumbar region).
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine).
  • Palpable lump in the renal area.
  • Painless lump or swelling near the salivary glands.
  • Fatigue.
  • General malaise.

Diagnosis and treatment Oncocytoma

After analyzing your symptoms and clinical history, the doctor will perform a physical examination and request a series of studies to confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • Blood tests.
  • Urine test.
  • Computed Tomography (CT scan).
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
  • Tissue biopsy.

The treatment for oncocytoma consists of total or partial removal of the tumor through a surgical procedure. In cases where the tumor has grown or spread to nearby structures, alternative treatments may be necessary, such as:

  • Chemotherapy.
  • Radiotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy.

Oncocytomas usually have a good prognosis, with a low risk of recurrence after surgical removal. In most cases, patients can return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers you chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.

Related centers and departments Oncocytoma

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • elsevier.es
  • mypathologyreport.ca
  • cancer.org
  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • nih.gov
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Horroutinell SRS, Rodríguez CTL, Hernández PYZ, et al. Oncocitoma suprarrenal. Rev Cub Med Mil. 2021;50(1):.
  • Valdivieso EP, Agustín TK, Campos PY. Diagnóstico por imagen del oncocitoma renal. Acta Med. 2019;17(1):77-78.

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