Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma is a subtype renal cell carcinoma.

Epidemiology

Generally uncommon but thought to be the fourth most common histologic type of renal cell carcinoma at the time of new classification (c. 2016) ¹.

Pathology

This subtype is characterized by low-grade, clear cells, showing papillary and tubular architecture ². 

Markers

• has shown to demonstrate expression of GATA3 ⁵

Radiographic features

Two imaging patterns have been described including cystic and solid in almost equal proportions. 

MRI

All solid tumors tend to show:

• T2: hyperintense compared with renal cortex
• T1 C+: maximal enhancement on corticomedullary phase with a delayed washout

Prognosis

This subtype is generally thought to have indolent behavior with low malignant potential.

History and etymology

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma was formally recognized by the International Society of Urological Pathology Vancouver Classification of Renal Neoplasia in 2013 and then added to the World Health Organizatiοn Classification of Tumors of the Urinary System and Male Genital Organs in 2016 ³.

See also

• WHO classification of tumors of the kidney