Cytology of Pigmented Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: Pigmented renal cell carcinoma is very rare, and there have been no reports on its cytologic findings. CASE: A 40-year-old female with pigmented renal cell carcinoma had cytologic findings similar to those of clear cell carcinoma except for the presence of melaninlike brown pigment. CONCLUSION: It is important to recognize that renal cell carcinoma may contain melaninlike brown pigment seen on cytologic examination of renal aspirates.