Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is one of the less common subtypes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Epidemiology

This is a rare subtype of RCC, depending on the source occurring 5% or less than 1% of the time. Similar incidence in men and women.

Pathology

This type of RCC arises from intercalated cells of collecting ducts. The designation "chromophobe" arises because the tumor cells are less translucent than clear cell renal cell carcinomas during staining for histology. They have a similar origin to oncocytomas.

Radiographic features

Ultrasound
  • presents similarly to other renal cell masses, with an isoechoic/hypoechoic masslike contour abnormality and flow on color Doppler imaging
CT
  • relatively homogeneous contrast enhancement
MRI
  • isointense to kidney / maybe T2 hypointense
  • relatively homogeneous contrast enhancement
  • necrosis not common

Differential diagnosis

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