What is Chromophobe Renal Cell Cancer?
Chromophobe renal cell cancer is a rare type of cancer that originates from the cells that form the lining of small tubules of the kidney. These small tubules of the kidney filter waste products from the blood which is excreted from the body in the form of urine.Disease Epidemiology
Chromophobe renal cell cancer accounts for 5% of all types of kidney cancer.Disease Etiology (Causes)
It is an inherited genetic disorder associated with Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome. Several genetic mutations in the tumour suppressor genes TP53 and PTEN are also thought to be responsible for the development of chromophobic renal cell carcinoma.Signs and Symptoms
In most cases, there are no symptoms, and cancer or renal tumour is detected on the occasional radiologic examination. In advance cases, the patient may develop the following signs and symptoms. These are- Pain in the loin
- Passage of blood or blood particles in the urine
- A palpable mass in the loin or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Lethargy
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- Imaging techniques like CT-abdomen and pelvis, USG abdomen and pelvis, MRI, CT-chest, and X-ray to assess the site, size, extent, and distant metastasis of the tumour.
- Renal arteriography ( Ultrasonography of the main artery of the kidney)
- Venography
- CT-scan and MRI brain to detect the distant metastasis of the tumour