RENAL CELL CARCINOMA: MRI AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SUBTYPE CORRELATION

Abstract

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignant tumor involving the kidney. Approximately 40% of patients with RCC eventually die from progression of this disease, making it the most lethal urologic malignancy. Determining the subtypes of RCC is among major goal in preoperative radiological work up in further management. MRI has advantages of having inherent soft tissue contrast, detection of blood and lipid products and excellent sensitivity to detect small amounts of intravenous contrast.

Methodology: In this article, study of histopathological and MRI imaging features of various subtypes of RCC is discussed emphasizing role of MRI in characterization and presurgical staging of renal masses.

Results: MRI is particularly helpful in evaluating small lesions which cannot be studied by Ultrasonography (USG) or Computed tomography (CT). Percutaneous biopsy is a minimally invasive method to diagnose renal tumors with accuracy upto 70 to 90%. Apart from diagnosing lesions, MRI along with histopathological subtype is very crucial to decide severity and prognosis of RCC and to guide treatment protocol.

Conclusion: RCC is divided into various subtypes according to histopathological examination like clear cell, papillary, collecting duct, chromophobe, multilocular cystic and unclassified variety. Accurate characterization of renal masses is essential to ensure appropriate case management and to assist in staging and prognosis.