Elsevier

Urology

Volume 50, Issue 5, November 1997, Pages 679-684
Urology

Adult urology
Low-grade collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney: report of 13 cases of low-grade mucinous tubulocystic renal carcinoma of possible collecting duct origin

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0090-4295(97)00335-XGet rights and content

Abstract

Objectives

To assess the nature of a series of unusual low-grade mucin-producing tubulocystic renal cancers diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic since 1985.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of 13 unusual low-grade renal carcinomas with features most suggestive of collecting duct origin.

Results

In 8 cases, the tumor was discovered incidentally. Presenting symptoms in the other 5 patients were similar to those of typical renal carcinoma. Imaging studies and angiography disclosed solid, cystic, or complex masses that were relatively avascular. Pathologic assessment revealed good circumscription, minimal hemorrhage and/or necrosis, minimal tendency to extend beyond the kidney, tubulocystic architecture, a fibrotic interface with adjacent normal renal parenchyma, low nuclear grade, and minimal mitotic activity. Mucin production was noted in all evaluable cases. All tumors expressed keratins AE1/AE3 and/or Cam 5.2. The tumors showed immunoreactivity to antibodies directed against keratin 34βE12 (8 of 13 cases), and Ulex Europeus antigen I (6 of 10 cases). Follow-up ranged from 12 to 114 months (mean 62). No metastases occurred in 12 patients. One patient died of metastatic carcinoma morphologically identical to the primary renal neoplasm 46 months after his tumor had been misinterpreted as a benign condition.

Conclusions

We believe the tumors described in this article may be of collecting duct origin, representing the low-grade end of a spectrum of cancers arising in collecting duct epithelium.

References (20)

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    Citation Excerpt :

    This lesion is also termed low-grade collecting duct carcinoma and Bellini duct carcinoma; this occurs mostly in men (85% men and 15% women), with a mean age of 54 years. The prognosis is excellent, with rare metastases.73,74 MLCRCC is a benign-behaving neoplasm (also termed, neoplasm of low malignant potential), which is almost entirely fluid-filled, with the septa between the cystic components containing small clusters of clear cells without solid expansile nodules of clear cell carcinoma.75

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