Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with hemangioblastoma-like features: A recently described pattern with unusual immunohistochemical profile

Abstract

The diagnosis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma may sometimes pose challenges because of the presence of uncharacteristic morphology, varied immunophenotypic patterns and due to lack of molecular or genetic determinants. More often, the morphological variations can be easily overlooked in routine practice and a more common diagnosis is usually put forward. Solid, acinar and alveolar are the common patterns described in the literature. We report a recently described pattern of clear cell renal cell carcinoma which has hemangioblastoma-like morphology and an unusual immunoprofile. In our case, the tumor showed a diffuse hemangioblastoma-like pattern and diffuse positivity for Alpha-inhibin on immunohistochemistry. A thorough literature search, extensive sampling and an expanded immunohistochemistry panel revealed a clear cell renal cell carcinoma component. Presence of renal vein thrombosis and focal necrosis were other helpful features in discerning the malignant nature of tumor.

Keywords

• Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
• hemangioblastoma
• Alpha-inhibin