acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma

Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma is a rare type of kidney cancer that occurs in people with end-stage kidney disease and acquired cystic kidney disease. This type of tumor is usually well circumscribed, solid, and can appear in multiple areas on both kidneys. It often has a characteristic cribiform architecture, which means that small passages form within the tumor cells, creating a unique pattern seen under the microscope. Often, these tumors are found by chance during imaging studies done for other reasons. While the tumor itself may not cause clear symptoms early on, complications related to the kidney cysts such as dull flank or abdominal pain, fever, or bleeding of kidney tissue might be present, sometimes masking the underlying cancer.

In many cases, the tumor is discovered incidentally because it does not cause clear symptoms right away. When symptoms do occur, they may include dull pain in the flank or abdomen, fever, or signs of kidney bleeding. These symptoms often relate to complications from the kidney cysts rather than the tumor itself.

This type of renal cell carcinoma is primarily linked to end-stage kidney disease and the development of acquired cystic kidney disease. The long-term changes in the kidneys that occur with severe kidney disease appear to create an environment where this cancer can develop. Information about additional genetic factors or other risk factors is currently limited.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

Many cases of acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell carcinoma tend to show an indolent, or slow-growing, behavior. However, the outlook for each person may vary depending on the individual’s overall kidney health and other factors associated with end-stage kidney disease.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.