Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Associated With PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome

PHTS is a hereditary syndrome newly associated with pRCC, and PTEN IHC may be a helpful screening tool to identify pRCC patients with PHTS. Physicians caring for PHTS patients should note the >31-fold increased risk for RCC and have a low threshold for investigating possible RCC in patients with relevant complaints. Renal ultrasound is not sensitive for detecting pRCC and so PHTS patients should have alternate renal imaging (CT or MRI).