Pigmented renal clear cell carcinoma with melanocytic differentiation

Jun Yi Lei, Lavinia P. Middleton, Xiao Du Guo, Paul H. Duray, Glen McWilliams, W. Marston Linehan, Maria J. Merino

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the adult kidney, and its incidence has been steadily rising. RCC consists of several subtypes, each of which has its own clinical features, and cytogenetic and molecular characteristics. Recognizing histologic patterns of RCC is important not only for correct diagnosis, but also for providing insight into the biological behavior of the tumor and subsequent appropriate medical care for the patient. Pigments other than hemosiderin has been observed in RCC, but none of them have been proved to be melanin. Melanotic tumors, either primary or metastatic, are rare in the kidney. We present an unusual case of melanin-pigmented clear cell RCC with melanocytic differentiation, an unusual variant that may lead to errors in diagnosis and treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)233-236
Number of pages4
JournalHuman Pathology
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Melanin
  • Metastasis
  • Pigment
  • Renal cell carcinoma

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