Unmasking Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review of Histological Signatures and Subtypes
Alexander Obidike Naiho
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Anthony Chibuzor Nnamudi
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Clement Ndudi Isibor
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Nicholas Asiwe *
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Emmanuel Onyebuchi Ezendiokwere
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
David Odah
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
Olisaemeka Ifechukwude Eboka
Unidel Medical Research Hub, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria and Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for over 90% of adult renal cancers. This review aimed to explore renal cell carcinomas, classifications and histological identifications. RCC is a diverse group of kidney tumors and accounts for most adult kidney cancers. A combination of factors, including age, sex, lifestyle, and genetic changes, shapes its development. RCC is subtyped as clear cell, papillary, chromophobe, and the rare collecting duct carcinoma, each with its own unique. Accurate diagnosis depends on careful examination of tissue samples, both under the microscope and through immunohistochemical testing. Common stains, such as H&E, PAS, Masson’s trichrome, and Feulgen, help highlight key structures and cellular details. Immunohistochemical markers such as CK18, vimentin, PAX2, PAX8, and RCC antigen are critical tools for distinguishing RCC from other tumors. However, because some markers can appear in multiple tumor types, interpretation requires experience and caution, particularly when working with small or difficult biopsy samples.
Keywords: Renal cell carcinoma, kidney, histology, immunohistochemistry