What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• MTSCC-K (Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney)
• Renal Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma

What is Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney? (Definition/Background Information)

• Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney (MTSCC-K) is a rare type of renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) of low-grade malignancy. It is observed in a wide age range of individuals; but, mostly female adults are affected
• The exact cause of development of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney is presently unknown. Although, a variety of genetic mutations for MTSCC-K have been reported
• The risk factors are also not well-established, but Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may be associated with kidney stones and end-stage kidney disease
• The signs and symptoms of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may include blood in urine, a lump on the side of the abdomen, flank pain, and unexplained weight loss
• The treatment options include surgery, wherein a complete excision to remove the tumor is performed. Additionally, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be administered based on assessment of the healthcare provider
• The prognosis of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney is typically good with adequate treatment, but it may depend on several factors including tumor size, age and health of the individual, and stage of tumor at diagnosis

Who gets Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• The average age of presentation of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney cases is 53 years
• It is a rare tumor type that may be seen in a wide age range and both children and adults, between the age group 13-82 years, may be affected
• MTSCC-K affects both men and women, though a female predominance is observed (female-male ratio is 4:1)

What are the Risk Factors for Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney? (Predisposing Factors)

In a majority of individuals, no risk factors for Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney are evident. However, in some individuals, the following factors have been noted:

• The presence of kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• End-stage renal disease

Some studies have shown that the following factors, in general, may predispose an individual to kidney cancer development:

• Family history of kidney cancer: If the cancer is present among close family members, then the risk of developing the cancer is increased
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Exposure to toxins, such as naphthylamine dye, asbestos, lead, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, cadmium, and other chemical compounds
• Continuous use of certain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Long-term dialysis

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your health care provider.

What are the Causes of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney? (Etiology)

Currently, scientists do not know the definitive factor(s) causing Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney. The cell of origin of tumor is still being debated upon. However, it may be caused by certain genetic mutations.

Several genetic mutations have been documented that include:

• Loss of genetic material in chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 22, and X chromosome
• Gain of genetic material in chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, and Y chromosome

In general, it is known that cancers and tumors form when normal, healthy cells begin transforming into abnormal cells - these cancer cells grow and divide uncontrollably (and lose their ability to die), resulting in the formation of a mass or a tumor.

• The transformation of normally healthy cells into cancerous cells may be the result of genetic mutations. Mutations allow the cancer cells to grow and multiply uncontrollably to form new cancer cells
• These tumors can invade nearby tissues and adjoining body organs, and even metastasize and spread to other regions of the body

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney?

The signs and symptoms of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may include the following:

• Slow-growing tumor that may be present as an abdominal mass
• Most tumors are small and do not cause any symptoms. But, occasionally they may become painful, if they compress the surrounding structure
• In most cases, the tumors are single and affect only one kidney
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Fatigue
• Flank pain, in some cases
• Fluid accumulation in the lower legs (pedal edema)
• Night sweats, unexplained fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Abnormal liver function test

The signs and symptoms may depend on the size of the kidney tumor.

How is Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney Diagnosed?

The Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may be discovered incidentally, while the individual is being examined for other medical conditions. A healthcare provider might employ one or several of the following tools to diagnose MTSCC-K:

• Evaluation of the patient’s personal and family medical history
• A complete physical examination
• Blood tests such as complete blood count (CBC), serum calcium, serum albumin, liver function test (LFTs)
• Urine analysis such as albumin levels
• Plain X-ray of the abdomen
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• Computed tomography (CT) scans of the kidneys
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans may help differentiate between benign versus malignant tumors by detecting areas of metastasis (if any)

Although the above modalities can be used to make the initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor may be required to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment.

• The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways, and they include:
  • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
  • Core biopsy of the tumor
  • Open biopsy of the tumor
• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation.
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of MTSCC-K may include:

• Papillary renal cell carcinoma
• Clear cell renal cell carcinoma
• Leiomyosarcoma
• Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor
• Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney?

• The complications associated with Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may include:
• Metastasis: The cancer can spread to other areas of the body, in some cases
• Recurrence of the tumor due to its partial or incomplete surgical removal
• Complications due to surgery
• Side effects of chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation

How is Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney Treated?

The treatment measures for Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may include the following:

• Surgery:
  • In majority of individuals, surgical resection of the tumor with clear margins may result in a cure, especially if the tumor is confined to the kidney. In some cases, due to location of the tumor, a complete surgical removal may be difficult
  • Several different surgical procedures may be available, such as partial/radical nephrectomy or laparoscopic surgery, depending on the type, size, and location of the tumor
• In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may be employed. However, because of the rarity of the tumor, chemotherapy and radiation therapy protocols are not well-established
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney.

• Regular health check-ups might help those individuals with a history of the condition in the immediate family and diagnose kidney cancers early
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations for those who have already endured the tumor are helpful

In general, preventive methods for Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney may include reducing contributory risk factors, such as:

• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet and lifestyle
• Obesity
• Exposure to toxins
• Unnecessary medication

What is the Prognosis of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney depends on the size of the tumor, their localization, and spread. In general, the prognosis is good, since the tumors are of low-grade malignancy.

• If the tumors have sarcomatous differentiation (i.e., if the tumor is mixed with high-grade tumor cells), the prognosis is worse
• The prognosis also depends upon a set of several factors, which include:
  • Stage of tumor: with lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
  • The surgical resectability of the tumor (meaning, if the tumor can be removed completely)
  • Overall health of the individual. Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared with those with poor health
  • Age of the individual. Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
  • Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time, or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have worse prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
  • Response to treatment. Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond to treatment
• When MTSCC-K is diagnosed in the initial stages, the prognosis is considered good with adequate treatment

As with any tumor, it is important to have follow-up appointments with a physician to monitor for any returning tumors.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of Kidney:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumors Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/