Renal pathologyBeginner

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma

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Clinical history

57-year-old with an incidental 45 mm renal mass on imaging.

Specimen

Partial nephrectomy · Stain: H&E

Microscopic description

Nests of cells with clear cytoplasma and distinct cell membranes separated by a delicate vascular network. Nucleoli visible at high power but not at low power.

Diagnostic question

How is nucleolar grading applied and what staging parameters must be reported?

Reveal differential diagnosis
  • Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
  • Clear cell papillary renal cell tumour
  • Adrenal cortical neoplasm
Reveal final diagnosis

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma, WHO/ISUP grade 2

Learning points

  • WHO/ISUP grade is based on nucleolar prominence
  • Assess sinus fat, perinephric fat and vascular invasion
  • Report margin status for partial nephrectomy

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