The Utility of Immunohistochemistry in Diagnosing Tubulocystic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Papillary Morphology

Authors

  • Allison Kaye Pagarigan National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quezon City, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6374-1015
  • Erland Del Rosario National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quezon City, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21141/PJP.2022.02

Keywords:

renal cell carcinoma, histology, immunohistochemistry, diagnosis, surgical pathology

Abstract

Tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma (TC-RCC) is a recently recognized, rare but distinct malignant entity. Pathologists have endeavored to completely define its histomorphologic, immunohistochemical and molecular features. Recounted is a case where the diagnosis of TC-RCC was confounded by presence of papillary morphology. Immunohistochemical expression of alpha-methyl acyl-CoA-racemase and vimentin with corresponding negativity for CK7 and CD10, following distinctive gross and microscopic findings, confirmed a diagnosis of TC-RCC. This report demonstrates the strategic value of performing immunohistochemistry studies to establish a diagnosis of TC-RCC especially when unusual histologic features are encountered. Immunohistochemistry continues to be the most practical approach to diagnosis as molecular testing methods, such as next generation sequencing, remain unfeasible in the local setting. Cautious prognostication is required as accounts of recurrence and metastasis continue to emerge.

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Author Biographies

Allison Kaye Pagarigan, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quezon City, Philippines

Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Resident, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Erland Del Rosario, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Quezon City, Philippines

Vice Chairman, Head of the Anatomic Pathology and Special Services Division, and Medical Specialist II

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

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Published

2022-04-01

How to Cite

Pagarigan, A. K., & Del Rosario, E. (2022). The Utility of Immunohistochemistry in Diagnosing Tubulocystic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Papillary Morphology. PJP, 7(1), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.21141/PJP.2022.02