What is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRCC)?

Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRCC) is a type of Kidney cancer originating in the renal tubules, which are part of the kidney's filtering system. It accounts for approximately 10-15% of all Renal Cell Carcinomas and is characterized by the formation of small, finger-like projections called papillae. PRCC is classified into two subtypes: Type 1, which tends to grow slowly, and Type 2, which is often more aggressive and has a higher likelihood of metastasis.

How common is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

PRCC is the second most common type of kidney cancer, following clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. It is diagnosed in about 15-20% of Renal Cell Carcinoma cases. The incidence of PRCC increases with age and is more frequently observed in males compared to females.

Symptoms & Causes

What are the common symptoms of Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

In its early stages, PRCC often presents no symptoms. As the tumor grows, the following symptoms may appear:-

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)
Flank Pain (pain on one side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back)
A Palpable Mass in the Abdomen or Side
Unexplained Weight Loss
Fatigue
Fever
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

What causes Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

The exact cause of PRCC is not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified:-

Genetic Mutations - Mutations in the MET oncogene are frequently associated with PRCC, particularly Type 1.
Family History - A family history of kidney cancer increases the risk.
Hereditary Conditions - Certain genetic syndromes, such as hereditary Papillary Renal Carcinoma (HPRC) and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC), are linked to PRCC.
Chronic Kidney Disease - Patients with end-stage renal disease on long-term dialysis have a higher incidence of PRCC.
Environmental Factors - Smoking, obesity, and hypertension are significant risk factors.

Diagnosis & Tests

How is Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis of PRCC involves several steps:-

Medical History & Physical Examination - Initial assessment includes a detailed medical history and physical examination.
Imaging Studies - Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to visualize the kidneys and detect any abnormalities.
Biopsy - A needle biopsy may be performed to obtain a tissue sample for histopathological examination, confirming the presence of cancer cells.
Urinalysis - Examination of the urine can reveal blood or abnormal cells.
Blood Tests - These can help assess kidney function and detect any biochemical abnormalities.

Management & Treatment

What are the treatment options for Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Treatment for PRCC depends on the stage and grade of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health:-

Surgery - The primary treatment for localized PRCC is surgical removal of the tumor. This may involve partial nephrectomy (removal of the tumor and part of the kidney) or radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney).
Ablation Therapies - Techniques such as cryoablation (freezing the tumor) or radiofrequency ablation (heating the tumor) are less invasive options for small tumors.
Targeted Therapy - Drugs targeting specific pathways involved in cancer growth, such as tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib, pazopanib), are used for advanced PRCC.
Immunotherapy - Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab) can enhance the body’s immune response against cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy - This may be considered for palliative care in cases where surgery is not feasible.
Chemotherapy - Although generally not effective for Renal Cell Carcinoma, it may be used in certain aggressive cases or in combination with other treatments.

Prevention

Can Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma be prevented?

While there is no sure way to prevent PRCC, certain lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk:

Quit Smoking - Smoking cessation is crucial as smoking is a significant risk factor.
Maintain healthy weight - Obesity is linked to a higher risk of kidney cancer.
Control blood pressure - Hypertension is a known risk factor, so managing blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication is important.
Regular check-ups - For individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or genetic predispositions, regular medical check-ups and screenings can help in early detection.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the prognosis for patients with Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

The prognosis for PRCC varies based on the stage and subtype:-

Type 1 PRCC - Generally has a better prognosis with slower growth and a lower likelihood of metastasis.
Type 2 PRCC - Tends to be more aggressive with a poorer prognosis due to a higher chance of spreading.

Early-stage PRCC (confined to the kidney) has a favorable prognosis with high survival rates following surgical treatment. Advanced-stage PRCC, where the cancer has spread beyond the kidney, has a less favorable prognosis, but targeted therapies and immunotherapies have improved outcomes.

Living With

How can patients live well with Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Living with PRCC involves managing the disease and maintaining quality of life:-

Follow-up care - Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for recurrence or progression of the disease.
Healthy lifestyle - Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, can help improve overall health and well-being.
Support networks - Emotional and psychological support from family, friends, and cancer support groups can be invaluable.
Managing side effects - Side effects from treatments can be managed with the help of healthcare providers. Open communication with the medical team is crucial.
Palliative care - For advanced cases, palliative care can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

In summary, Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma is a significant subtype of kidney cancer with distinct characteristics and varying prognoses based on its subtypes. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes, and ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding and management of this disease.

Why Choose Tender Palm Super-Specialty Hospital for Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRCC) Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Uro-oncologists with advanced diagnostics and international standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. Our specialists have decades of expertise in successfully diagnosing and treating Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma (PRCC) in Lucknow, India.