Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma with calcification: Report of a case with rare finding on aspiration smears

Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) is a distinct variant of renal cell carcinoma. It is important to identify this entity because it has a significantly better prognosis than clear cell (conventional) renal cell carcinoma. We report the case of a 56 year-old male who presented with 10 days history of painless hematuria. There was no palpable swelling or systemic symptoms. On radiological examination the possibility of a right renal neoplasm was considered. Ultrasound guided aspiration was done and cytological features of ChRCC were noted. In addition, numerous foci of calcification were seen, which was an unusual cytological feature for ChRCC. The characteristic cytomorphology of ChRCC makes it possible to render a preoperative diagnosis on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). We report the case to emphasize the importance and possibility of diagnosing of ChRCC on cytology. In addition, the extensive calcification as seen in our case is an usual cytological finding not previously reported in cytology smears.