The spelling of the word "hypernephroid" can be a bit confusing at first glance. However, the IPA phonetic transcription can help explain its proper spelling. The word is pronounced hahy-per-nef-roid, with the stress on the second syllable. The "hyper-" prefix refers to excessive or overactive functioning, while "-nephroid" refers to a kidney-like structure. Thus, "hypernephroid" can be understood as an adjective describing something that resembles or is functioning in a hyperactive manner like a kidney.
Hypernephroid is a medical term used to describe a tumor or lesion that is characterized by gross and microscopic features resembling a hypernephroma or renal cell carcinoma. This term specifically applies to tumors that originate outside of the kidney, in organs or tissues distant from the renal region, yet exhibit morphological similarities to renal cell carcinomas.
A hypernephroid tumor typically displays architectural patterns resembling those seen in clear cell carcinoma, the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma. These patterns include a distinct arrangement of tumor cells forming small nests or acinar-like structures surrounded by a dense fibrovascular stroma. Additionally, hypernephroid tumors may exhibit clear cytoplasmic features, characteristically seen in renal cell carcinomas, with abundant, granular, or vacuolated cells.
The term "hypernephroid" is mostly utilized in the histopathological assessment of tumors arising in extrarenal locations, such as the ovary, thyroid, or adrenal gland, but phenotypically resembling renal cell carcinoma. It is essential to differentiate hypernephroid tumors from true renal cell carcinoma to enable accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining for specific markers, such as renal cell carcinoma antigen, vimentin, and CD10, play a crucial role in distinguishing hypernephroid tumors from other malignancies with similar appearance.
Resembling or of the type of the adrenal body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.