Cancer of the kidney is most commonly referred to as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, accounting for about 90% of all cases. It originates in the small tubes of the kidneys where urine is formed.
There are different subtypes of renal cell carcinoma, and they may have distinct characteristics. Some common subtypes include:
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC): This is the most common subtype, accounting for approximately 70-80% of all renal cell carcinomas. It is characterized by clear cells when viewed under a microscope.
Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: This subtype makes up about 10-15% of renal cell carcinomas. It is characterized by the development of small finger-like projections in the tumor.
Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma: Chromophobe RCC is a less common subtype, accounting for about 5% of cases. It is characterized by large, pale cells.
Collecting Duct Carcinoma: This is a rare and aggressive type of renal cell carcinoma that arises in the collecting ducts of the kidney.
Unclassified Renal Cell Carcinoma: In some cases, the tumor may not fit neatly into one of the established subtypes and is classified as unclassified.