Some forms of cancer are more likely to occur than others. With kidney cancer, most people are diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. However, there are many rarer forms of the disease, including the following subtypes, and patients should be aware of these subtypes to ensure the clearest possible understanding of their diagnosis.
Kidney cancer that features characteristics of more than one subtype are referred to as unclassified RCC. Additionally, any cancers that cannot be identified under a microscope will also be categorized as unclassified. These cancers are often difficult to treat and can be terminal as a result.
Collecting duct RCC typically affects young adults between the ages of 20 and 30. This RCC subtype is characterized by the development of abnormal tubular structures within the tumour. As a progressive cancer, the outlook for collecting duct RCC is often poor.
While not quite as aggressive as other subtypes listed here, clear cell papillary RCC usually accompanies end-stage kidney disease. However, it can also happen spontaneously. Most cases do not involve symptoms and patients may only learn of a diagnosis after being screened for another health issue. Treatment often involves monitoring or ablation, which entails the application of very high or low temperatures to kill cancerous tissues.
This form of cancer is most prevalent among teens and young adults. Most people with renal medullary carcinoma either have the sickle cell trait or have sickle cell disease. However, a rarer subtype of this cancer can impact people without the sickle cell trait. Renal medullary carcinoma is considered aggressive because it can spread quickly to other organs.