Sarcomatoid Renal Cell Carcinoma
Section Editor: Dharam M. Ramnani, MD
Virginia Urology, Richmond, VA, USA
Image Description
The lower portion of the tumor has the characteristic golden-yellow color of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The whitish, firm-appearing areas represent the sarcomatoid component which extends beyond the renal capsule to involve the perinephric fat. Sarcomatoid transformation can be seen in renal cell carcinoma of any histologic subtype. It's presence is an adverse prognostic sign, independent of pathologic grade or stage. Five year survival is about 20%. Image copyright: pathorama.ch