24. Clear cell carcinoma of kidney
Organ: Kidney
Description:
A yellowish, lobulated well-demarcated tumor of roundish shape can be seen.
Diagnosis: Conventional/clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Risk factors:
- Smoking
- Von Hippel Lindau syndrome
Theory:
Conventional renal cell carcinoma, also called clear cell renal carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. The tumor is yellowish due to the high lipid content of the tumor cells.
Despite it being a malignant tumor does it usually have a well-demarcated, expansile border. It can have a capsule as well.
Symptoms usually don’t appear until the late phase. Common symptoms include:
- Haematuria with normal RBCs
- Palpable mass
- Costovertebral pain
If the tumor has spread beyond the renal fascia (or Gerota’s fascia) then the tumor is considered inoperable.