A Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma with Clear Cell Papillary-Like Primary Tumor and Lymph Node Metastasis: A Diagnostic Conundrum

Int J Surg Pathol. 2023 Aug;31(5):890-895. doi: 10.1177/10668969221145011. Epub 2022 Dec 22.

Abstract

Clear cell papillary renal cell tumor (CCPRCT) is a distinct clinical entity with characteristic pathological features and non-aggressive clinical behavior. Diagnostically challenging cases present when there are immunomorphological findings of CCPRCT associated with heterogeneous morphologies, aggressive histological features, and advanced pathological stages-so-called CCPRCT-like tumors. In this report, we describe a heterogeneous, multifocal renal tumor with immunomorphological characteristics of CCPRCT but with associated aggressive features such as sarcomatoid and necrotic areas, perirenal and sinus fat involvement, and most notably, lymph node metastasis composed entirely of classic CCPRCT morphology and immunophenotype. Immunohistochemical and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies did not support a translocation renal cell carcinoma. Molecular analyses did not identify common mutations or chromosomal abnormalities seen in clear cell renal cell carcinoma or ELOC-mutated renal cell carcinoma. This case highlights that rare renal cell tumors remain difficult to classify and the distinction between CCPRCT and CCPRCT-like tumors remains to be better defined.

Keywords: clear cell papillary renal cell tumor; copy number variation; fluorescence in situ hybridization; immunohistochemistry; lymph node metastasis; next-generation sequencing; sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma; whole exome sequencing.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / pathology
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor