Renal mass with central stellate scar on imaging: What is your diagnosis?

Abstract

Chromophobe carcinoma is seen mainly in the fifth decade and accounts for 5% of renal tumors. It originates at the level of type B intercalated cells of the collecting duct. There are two subtypes of chromophobe cell carcinoma: the clear type (70%) and eosinophilic type. The variant with eosinophilic cells must be differentiated from oncocytoma. The latter is characterized by a central fibrous stellate scar. Chromophobe carcinoma and oncocytoma may even coexist in the syndrome of Birt-Hogg-Dubé. Some tumors called hybrid share architectural and cytological features of these two tumors. The prognosis of chromophobe carcinoma is favorable. It is most often limited to the kidney and is of lower nuclear grade. It would therefore seem permissible in cases where a frozen section would show a chromophobe tumor, to limit the intervention to partial nephrectomy if technically feasible.

Keywords: Chromophobe; Oncocytoma; Central stellate scar

African Journal of Urology (2013) 19, 39–43