Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma: A Review of Histopathology and Clinical and Prognostic Implications

Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2020 Jan;144(1):115-118. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2017-0506-RS. Epub 2019 Mar 13.

Abstract

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinomas are rare kidney tumors with generally indolent behavior. As the name suggests, classic histomorphology reveals bland spindle cells, tubules, and mucinous stroma. Uncommon histologic features include mucin-poor stroma, high nuclear grade, cellular pleomorphism, and presence of necrosis. Rare cases can show aggressive growth and distant metastasis. Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma has characteristic chromosomal abnormalities and the molecular signature remains the same, irrespective of the varied histomorphology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / therapy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / therapy
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prognosis