Renal cell carcinoma with leiomyomatous stroma in tuberous sclerosis complex: a distinct entity

Renal cell carcinoma with leiomyomatous stroma (RCCLS) is an emerging entity frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). We described herein a series of RCCLS in TSC patients at pathological and cytogenetic levels. Three male patients with TSC and RCCLS were identified between 2000 and 2019 at the University Hospital of Rennes. Histologically, the architecture was tubulo-papillary with thick bundles of smooth muscle cells. The tumor cells showed clear cytoplasm with eosinophilic globules. The immunohistochemical profile was identical with an intense positivity of CK7, CAIX, and CD10 and a heterogeneous positivity of CK20. SDHB was low but positive and TFE3 was not expressed. Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) did not show any quantitative chromosome abnormality. No recurrence was observed with a median follow-up of 4 years. RCCLS in TSC patients has morphological, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic distinct features that could constitute a distinct entity and a sentinel manifestation for the diagnosis of TSC.

Automated summary

Renal cell carcinoma with leiomyomatous stroma (RCCLS) is a newly emerging entity frequently associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). This study describes the morphological, immunohistochemical, and cytogenetic characteristics of RCCLS in TSC patients, suggesting it could be a distinct entity and a sentinel presentation for the diagnosis of TSC.