Clear cell renal cell carcinoma with syncytial giant cells

Abstract

Four types of giant cells have been reported in renal cell carcinomas: osteoclast-like giant cells, pleomorphic tumour giant cells, rhabdoid cells, and syncytial giant cells. There are apparently only four cases of renal cell carcinoma with syncytial giant cells reported in the English literature, and this type is not part of the WHO classification of renal cell carcinomas. We a report a case in a 68-year-old man. Macroscopically the tumour was a 65 mm variegated tan and haemorrhagic mass with a 50 mm necrotic central cavity, confined within the renal capsule. Microscopically the tumour was a clear cell renal cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade 3, with rhabdoid features. There were many scattered multinucleated giant cells which had a similar immunohistochemical profile to the main mononuclear tumour cells. Staging CT showed three left sided lung nodules which will be resected.