Oncocytoma can be differentiated from its renal cell carcinoma mimics by a panel of markers: an automated tissue microarray study.

BACKGROUND

Differentiating oncocytoma from its renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mimics, particularly chromophobe RCC, can be difficult, especially when limited tissue is available for evaluation. This study presents a panel of markers that are readily available, easy to use, and useful for differential diagnoses of renal tumors.

DESIGN

A renal cell neoplasm tissue microarray was constructed including oncocytoma (n=30), chromophobe RCC (n=18), conventional RCC (n=64), papillary RCC (n=50), and benign renal tissues (n=31). CK7, CD10, epithelial membrane antigen, renal cell carcinoma marker (RCCma), vimentin, and endogenous avidin-binding activity (EABA) were studied. An Automated Cellular Imaging System, was used to quantify the staining intensity.

RESULT

EABA was positive in 97% of oncocytoma, 26% of conventional RCC and 35% of papillary RCC with granular/eosinophilic (G/E) features and 6% of chromophobe RCC. EABA was negative in RCC without G/E features. Vimentin and RCCma were positive in most RCC with G/E features (conventional, 78% and 71%; and papillary, 85% and 76%, respectively), and negative in oncocytoma. Vimentin was also negative in chromophobe RCC. CK7 was positive in up to 81% of papillary RCC and 63% of chromophobe RCC, and essentially negative in conventional RCC and oncocytoma.

CONCLUSIONS

EABA is an excellent marker for oncocytoma, which can be useful in differentiating oncocytoma from chromophobe RCC. A panel of EABA, vimentin, and RCCma markers can be useful in discerning oncocytoma from RCC with G/E features. Vimentin can be useful in discriminating chromophobe RCC from papillary or conventional RCCs.