Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that involves the kidney and occurs mainly in middle-aged women, but rarely in children. Its aetiology has not been elucidated completely. It is believed that the following factors may play a role in its development: an obstruction for urine flow, urolithiasis, inadequately treated urinary tract infection as well as venous and lymphatic drainage disorders. Poorly specific signs and symptoms delay the correct diagnosis by even several months. Kidney enlargement with nonspecific cysts and calcifications, and concomitant adjacent tissue reaction may be suggestive of a cancerous lesion. Computed tomography plays a vital role in imaging. It helps establish an initial diagnosis to be verified intraoperatively. The final diagnosis is made in a histopathological examination of the removed organ. The case presented herein illustrates the need to consider xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal masses.