Clinicopathologic features of renal cell carcinoma in young adults: a comparison study with renal cell carcinoma in older patients.

To evaluate the clinicopathologic features of renal cell carcinoma in younger adults (</=40 years), we retrospectively reviewed 838 consecutive cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurred in a single tertiary hospital. Forty-four 44 (5.2%) cases occurred in the young adult group (24 to 40 years of age). Clinicopathologic features including tumor size, stage, histologic subtype, lymph node and distant metastasis, and overall survival were compared with that of cases occurred in older age group (>40 years). The tumor size of the young adult group were smaller (5.3 vs 5.9 cm) and presented at less advanced stages (T3/T4 tumors, 18% vs 31%) than those occurring in the older age group (>40 years of age). The incidences of chromophobe RCC (12% vs. 6%) and of collecting duct carcinoma (5% vs 0.5%) were higher in the young adult group. The rate of nodal or distant metastasis was lower in young adult group (5% vs. 8.3%). More patients underwent partial nephrectomy in younger than older age group (30% vs 19%). There was no overall survival difference at 5 years (77% vs 70%), but there was a trend for a favorable survival in young adults at 10 years (77% vs 52%). In conclusion, RCC are relatively infrequent in patients who are younger than 40 years. The tumors in this group appear to be smaller and less advanced at presentation. Chromophobe RCC and collecting duct carcinoma are more frequently seen. More patients undergo partial nephrectomy and overall long term survival appears to be more favorable.