Role of Computed Tomography in the Pre operative Diagnosis of Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 3% of all human malignant tumors. The behavior of RCC apparently depends on its subtype. CT scan can provide detailed information about the tumor itself and regarding its precise extension. The pre-histological diagnosis of clear cell renal carcinoma could be made with more precision on the basis of CT scan features and would ultimately play a major role in the prognosis and management of the disease. Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of clear cell renal carcinoma taking histopathological findings as gold standard. Methods: Total 100 patients had renal mass were included. All patients underwent contrast enhanced CT scan. On the basis of CT scan features a pre-surgical diagnosis of histological subtype of RCC, clear cell renal carcinoma was made. The patients were followed by nephrectomy. The diagnostic accuracy of CT scan was determined. Results: The male to female ratio was 3.2:1.0. Out of total study subjects 85.0% patients turned out to be renal cell carcinomas and among these 40 (47%) were right sided and 45 (53%) were left sided. The mean size of tumor was 12.75 cm. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of CT scan were 89.0%, 72.7%, and 86.0% respectively. Conclusion: The CT scan was helpful in diagnosing clear cell renal carcinoma. The most valuable parameter was the degree of enhancement of clear cell renal carcinoma with other parameters playing supplemental role.