13. Clear cell carcinoma of the kidney

Staining: HE

Overview

Organ: Kidney

Description:

The tumor has a well-demarcated border.

The tumor cells have a lot of lipid in them, making them look pale. They show only mild atypia (pleiomorphism). They have prominent nucleoli.

Diagnosis: Conventional/clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Risk factors:

  • Smoking
  • Von Hippel Lindau syndrome

Theory:

The degree of how prominent the nuclei are is important for the grading system we use for this type of cancer, the Fuhrman gradin system.

See also the macropreparation for more theory.

High magnification