Review: Differentiating Various Renal Cell Tumors with Clear Cytoplasmic Features, Old and New, Based on Their Different Renal Tubular Origins

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-3-2026

Publication Title

Annals of clinical and laboratory science

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the prototypical renal tumor with clear cell features in which the clear cell cytoplasm results from the melted lipid of the cytoplasm after fixation. ccRCC can be associated with a high risk of tumor metastasis.

METHODS: In recent years, several new renal mass entities such as RCC with fibromyomatous stroma (FMS), clear cell papillary renal cell tumor (CCP-RCT), multilocular cystic renal cell neoplasm of low malignancy potential (MCRCNLMP), and eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT) have been recognized with some clear-appearing cytoplasm.

RESULTS: Previously identified renal tumor entities like chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (Ch-RCC) and translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) often have clear cytoplasmic features as well. While often challenging due to their morphologic similarities, differentiating these renal tumor entities from ccRCC is important given their varying biological behaviors.

CONCLUSION: This review will provide a comprehensive roadmap to pathologically differentiate the variants of renal masses with clear cytoplasmic features. In addition, their clinical outcomes and management will be briefly discussed.

Volume

55

Issue

6

First Page

845

Last Page

858

ISSN

1550-8080

PubMed ID

41633656

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