Histologic subtypes of renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in the University of Witwatersrand Teaching Hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma and its histologic subtypes is the most common renal parenchymal tumour and occur globally with regional variations and increasing incidence. The incidence rate is higher in North America and Europe but lower in Asian and African countries. Objectives: To determine the incidence of renal cell carcinoma as diagnosed in the University of Witwatersrand Teaching hospitals and the proportion of patients less than 40 year as well as stratify its subtypes according to patient demographics; To compare its occurrence in the local populations with international racial groups. Methods: Histopathologic data was retrieved from the National Health Laboratory Service and analysed after obtaining all the necessary approvals. Results: Analysis of the data showed racial disparity of the histologic subtypes and gender distribution as compared to Western populations as well as a significant proportion of Patients less than 40 years. Conclusions: There is racial disparity in incidence of histopathologic subtypes of renal cell carcinoma and its occurrence is statistically significant in patients less than 40 year.