What Is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Papillary renal cell carcinoma is the second most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for about 10 to 15 percent of all cases. It begins in the lining of the tiny tubules inside the kidney that filter blood and produce urine. The name “papillary” refers to the finger-like projections, or papillae, that grow inside the tumor.

Papillary renal cell carcinoma was once divided into Type 1 and Type 2, but this classification is now considered outdated. Today, doctors understand that pRCC represents a diverse group of tumors with different genetic changes and patterns of behavior. Some grow slowly and remain confined to the kidney for many years, while others are more aggressive and may spread to nearby tissues or other organs.

Researchers have discovered that changes in certain genes, such as MET and FH, play an important role in the development of papillary renal cell carcinoma. Some cases occur sporadically with no clear cause, while others are linked to inherited conditions such as hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer.

This cancer is more common in men than women and usually occurs in adults between 50 and 70 years of age. Known risk factors include smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure, which are also shared with other types of kidney cancer. In many patients, Papillary renal cell carcinoma is discovered incidentally during imaging tests done for unrelated reasons, as it often produces no symptoms in its early stages.

When symptoms occur, they may include blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side or lower back, a lump in the abdomen, or unexplained fatigue and weight loss. Because these signs can also appear in noncancerous conditions, medical evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis is typically made using ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, which help visualize the tumor. A biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether the tumor has papillary features.

Treatment options depend on the size and stage of the tumor. Localized tumors are often managed surgically through partial or radical nephrectomy. For advanced or metastatic cases, treatment may include targeted therapies or immunotherapy that specifically attack cancer cells or enhance the body’s immune response.

The outlook for papillary renal cell carcinoma varies depending on the subtype and stage at diagnosis. Early detection and ongoing medical monitoring play a key role in achieving good long-term outcomes.

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Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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