clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) Overview

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer that accounts for the majority of cases. Here are some key points about this condition:

• Cell Appearance: The cells in ccRCC look clear or very pale when viewed under a microscope, which gives the tumor its name [1].
• Origin: This type of cancer begins in cells that line the proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) of the kidney's renal cortex [2].
• Characteristics: Clear cell RCC is characterized by malignant epithelial cells with clear cytoplasm and a compact nested or acinar growth pattern [6].
• Symptoms: Symptoms can include blood in urine, a lump in the side, pain, and other general symptoms of cancer [5].
• Prevalence: ccRCC is the most prevalent histological subtype of kidney cancer and is prone to metastasis and recurrence [3].

Key Features

• Clear or pale cells under microscopic examination
• Originates from epithelial cells in the renal cortex
• Compact nested or acinar growth pattern
• Can cause symptoms such as blood in urine, pain, and a lump

References:

[1] Mar 17, 2020 — [2] A type of kidney cancer in which the cells look clear or very pale when viewed under a microscope. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma begins in cells that line ... [3] by J Yang · 2023 · Cited by 36 — [5] Aug 10, 2023 — [6] Jun 25, 2024 —

Common Signs and Symptoms of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer that can cause various symptoms, which may not always be noticeable in the early stages. As the disease progresses, you may experience:

• Blood in urine (hematuria): This is one of the most common signs of ccRCC, and it's often the first symptom to appear [8].
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak due to anemia caused by the cancer [8].
• Fever: A persistent fever can be a sign that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body [8].
• Lump, flank pain or both on the side of the diseased kidney: As the tumor grows, it may cause a lump or pain in the affected area [8].
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without any apparent reason can be a sign that the cancer is affecting your overall health [8].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other benign diseases, such as urinary tract infections or kidney stones. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Early Detection is Key

In the early stages, ccRCC may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if detected early, the cancer can be treated more effectively, and the chances of survival improve significantly [13]. Regular check-ups and screenings can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

References:

[8] - Symptoms of clear cell renal cell carcinoma usually won’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stage. As the disease progresses, you may experience: Blood in urine (hematuria). Fatigue. Fever. Lump, flank pain or both on the side of the diseased kidney. Unexplained weight loss. [13] - Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer. Healthcare professionals now refer to it as clear cell papillary renal cell tumor. ... Signs and symptoms of cancer.

Diagnostic Tests for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) can be challenging to diagnose, but various tests can help confirm the presence of this type of kidney cancer.

• Imaging Tests: CT and MRI scans are usually the only tests doctors need to diagnose kidney cancer. These tests can help identify tumors in the kidneys and plan treatment [7][8].
• Blood Tests: While there is no blood test that can specifically diagnose kidney cancer, a complete blood count (CBC) and other chemistry tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions [9]. A CBC may show an elevated white blood cell count or red blood cell count in some cases.
• Urinalysis: A urinalysis test can detect the presence of blood in the urine under a microscope, which is often the first test ordered for suspected kidney cancer [10].
• Percutaneous Biopsy: In some cases, doctors may perform a percutaneous biopsy to collect tissue samples from the tumor. This involves inserting a needle through the skin and into the tumor to obtain a sample for examination.
• Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI): DWI has been studied as a potential tool for characterizing solid lesions in the kidneys, including renal cell carcinoma [11].

It's essential to note that a diagnosis of ccRCC is typically confirmed through a combination of these tests and a physical exam. A healthcare professional will discuss the results with you and determine the best course of action.

References: [7] Aug 17, 2024 — Kidney cancer diagnosis often begins with a physical exam and a discussion of your health history. [8] CT and MRI scans are usually the only tests doctors need to diagnose kidney cancer. Sometimes, though, doctors perform what's known as a percutaneous biopsy. [9] There is no blood test that can diagnose kidney cancer. But a complete blood count (CBC), blood comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and other chemistry tests ... [10] Urinalysis: A test to look for the presence of blood in the urine under a microscope is often the first test that is ordered. [11] Keywords: Diffusion weighted imaging, Apparent diffusion coefficient, Renal cell carcinoma, Clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Differential Diagnosis of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a type of kidney cancer that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance with other renal tumors. The differential diagnosis for ccRCC includes:

• Papillary renal cell carcinoma: This is the second most common type of kidney cancer, and it can be difficult to distinguish from ccRCC based on morphology alone [9].
• Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: This rare type of kidney cancer can also present with clear cells, making it a potential differential diagnosis for ccRCC [11].
• Metastatic melanoma: In some cases, metastatic melanoma to the kidney can mimic the appearance of ccRCC on imaging studies [12].
• Renal cysts and infarctions: These conditions can also present with similar radiographic features as ccRCC, making them potential differential diagnoses [13].

Key Features for Differential Diagnosis

To differentiate ccRCC from these other renal tumors, several key features should be considered:

• Histological subtypes: The presence of clear cells, papillary architecture, and chromophobe morphology can help distinguish between different types of kidney cancer [10].
• Immunohistochemical markers: Selective use of immunohistochemical markers such as CD10, PAX8, and vimentin can aid in the differential diagnosis of ccRCC from other renal tumors [10].
• Genetic karyotypes: The presence of specific genetic alterations such as trisomy 7 and 17, deletion of Y, and loss of short arm of chromosome 3 can help distinguish between different types of kidney cancer [2].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the differential diagnosis for clear cell renal cell carcinoma is broad and includes several other types of renal tumors. A combination of histological features, immunohistochemical markers, and genetic karyotypes can aid in the accurate diagnosis of ccRCC.

References:

[1] Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) are primary malignant adenocarcinomas derived from the renal tubular epithelium and are the most common malignant renal tumor. [13]

[2] The presence of specific genetic alterations such as trisomy 7 and 17, deletion of Y, and loss of short arm of chromosome 3 can help distinguish between different types of kidney cancer. [2]

[9] Papillary renal cell carcinoma is the second most common type of kidney cancer, and it can be difficult to distinguish from ccRCC based on morphology alone. [9]

[10] Selective use of immunohistochemical markers such as CD10, PAX8, and vimentin can aid in the differential diagnosis of ccRCC from other renal tumors. [10]

[11] Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is a rare type of kidney cancer that can also present with clear cells, making it a potential differential diagnosis for ccRCC. [11]

[12] Metastatic melanoma to the kidney can mimic the appearance of ccRCC on imaging studies. [12]

[13] Renal cysts and infarctions can also present with similar radiographic features as ccRCC, making them potential differential diagnoses. [13]