IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test
About IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | RCC Marker IHC Test, RCC Antigen IHC Test, Renal Cell Carcinoma Marker Immunohistochemistry Test, RCC Ma Test, gp200 Marker Test |
| Sample Type | FFPE Tissue Block (Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded) |
| Fasting Required | No — this test is performed on a tissue sample, not a blood sample |
| Report Time | 7 Days |
| Recommended For | Adults with suspected kidney cancer or metastatic tumours of unknown origin |
| Price | Starting at ₹2,300 |
What Is an IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test?
The IHC marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) test is a specialised laboratory test that detects a specific protein called the RCC antigen in tumour tissue. It is performed using a technique called immunohistochemistry (IHC), which uses targeted antibodies to identify proteins in tissue samples.
Doctors order this test when kidney cancer is suspected or when a tumour of unknown origin needs to be traced back to its source. The test is also known as the RCC Marker IHC test or the gp200 marker test.
What Does an IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test Measure?
The RCC Antigen IHC test analyses a preserved tissue sample to detect the presence of the RCC antigen, a glycoprotein found on the surface of kidney tubule cells. The result is expressed as positive or negative staining, observed under a microscope by a pathologist.
The table below summarises what the staining result indicates:
| Parameter | Interpretation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Staining | Cells are likely of renal (kidney) epithelial origin | Brown cytoplasmic staining visible under the microscope |
| Negative Staining | Renal origin is less likely | Additional IHC markers may be needed for confirmation |
Why Is an IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test Done?
A pathologist or oncologist may recommend this test when there is clinical suspicion of kidney cancer or when a tumour's origin is unclear.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to investigate for renal cell carcinoma using the RCC Marker IHC test:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Pain in the sides or lower back
- Unexplained weight loss
- A palpable lump or mass in the abdomen
- Persistent fever without a clear cause
- Elevated blood pressure
- Unexplained anemia
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or differentiate the following conditions:
- Clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinomas originating from kidney tubule cells
- Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body)
- Tumours of unknown primary origin where kidney cancer is a possibility
- Rare types of renal tumours identified in small biopsy samples
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test differs from routine blood tests. The key steps involve handling and submitting the tissue sample correctly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This test is performed on a tissue sample obtained through a biopsy or surgical procedure, not on a blood or urine sample.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Please keep the following points in mind before submitting your sample:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Carry the original histopathology report from the biopsy or surgery
- Bring the FFPE tissue block (the paraffin-embedded block prepared from your biopsy or surgical specimen) to the collection centre
- Confirm with your doctor that the tissue block has been fixed correctly in formalin before submission
- A valid prescription from your treating doctor is required
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Tissue is collected from the kidney or a suspected metastatic site through a biopsy or surgical excision. This step is done before the IHC test begins.
- The collected tissue is fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin wax to form an FFPE tissue block. This preserves the tissue for laboratory analysis.
- The FFPE tissue block is submitted to the clinical centre along with clinical history and the original pathology report.
- In the laboratory, thin slices of the tissue are cut from the block and placed on special glass slides.
- The slides are treated with antibodies that bind specifically to the RCC antigen protein if it is present in the cells.
- A qualified pathologist examines the stained slides under a microscope and prepares a detailed report.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the quality of the gp200 marker test result:
- Duration of formalin fixation — over-fixation or under-fixation can reduce staining quality
- Mislabelled or unlabelled tissue blocks may lead to sample rejection
- Insufficient tissue in the block
- Antigen retrieval technique used in the laboratory
- Quality and sensitivity of the antibodies used
Understanding Your IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test Results
Results from this test are reported as positive or negative and must always be reviewed by a qualified pathologist or oncologist alongside imaging, clinical findings, and other IHC markers.
| Result | Likely Indication |
|---|---|
| Positive | Tumour cells are likely of renal (kidney) epithelial origin; consistent with clear cell or papillary RCC |
| Negative | Renal origin is less likely; chromophobe RCC or non-renal tumour; additional markers recommended |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- False positives may occur in tumours arising from breast lobular and ductal tissue, epididymal tubules, and thyroid follicles, as the RCC antigen can react with these tissues
- Tissue fixation quality and laboratory technique can cause variation in staining intensity between different laboratories
- Chromophobe RCC shows positive staining in only approximately 10% of cases, so a negative result does not always exclude kidney cancer
How to Reduce Kidney Cancer Risk
These are general wellness tips that may help reduce the risk of kidney cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight, as excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer
- Avoid smoking, which is linked to a roughly 30% higher risk of renal cell carcinoma compared to non-smokers
- Keep blood pressure under control, as hypertension is a well-recognised risk factor for renal cell carcinoma
Lupin Diagnostics IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test Price
The IHC marker - RCC test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹2,300. This test requires an FFPE tissue block obtained during a biopsy or surgical procedure. The tissue sample can then be submitted to a Lupin Diagnostics laboratory for analysis. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 2300 |
| CHENNAI | 2300 |
| HYDERABAD | 2300 |
| KOLKATA | 2300 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 2300 |
| PUNE | 2300 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website
- Choose your city and preferred centre location
- Arrange for the FFPE tissue block and accompanying pathology documents to be submitted as advised by your doctor or healthcare facility
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time
Frequently Asked Questions
The IHC marker - RCC test is used to detect the RCC antigen in tumour tissue. It helps pathologists determine whether cancer cells originated from kidney tissue. It is particularly useful when a tumour is found in a location other than the kidney and its origin is unclear.
The tissue sample is collected through a biopsy, where a small amount of tissue is removed using a needle or during surgery. This is done by a doctor before the sample is sent to the laboratory for the IHC marker - RCC test procedure. Home collection is not available for this test.
You should bring the FFPE tissue block from your biopsy or surgery, the original histopathology report, a valid doctor's prescription, and a detailed clinical history. The laboratory requires clinical history to process this test accurately.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically available within 7 days of sample submission. Processing time may vary depending on the condition and quality of the tissue block received.
A positive result indicates that the RCC antigen is present in the tumour cells, suggesting the cancer originates from renal (kidney) epithelial tissue. The IHC marker - RCC test detects this marker in approximately 93% of primary renal cell carcinomas and 84% of metastatic cases. Your doctor will interpret the result alongside other findings.
No single IHC marker is sufficient to confirm kidney cancer. The RCC marker is used as part of a panel of markers, which may include PAX8, CD10, and CAIX, to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. A pathologist reviews all results together with clinical and imaging information.
This test is recommended for adults in whom a kidney mass has been detected on imaging, a biopsy has revealed suspicious cells, or metastatic cancer of unknown origin is under investigation. Your doctor will advise whether the IHC marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) test is appropriate for your specific situation.
IHC Marker - RCC (Renal Cell Carcinoma) Test
