Definition

A type of kidney cancer in which the cells look clear or very pale when viewed under a microscope. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma begins in cells that line tiny tubes in the kidney. These tubes return filtered nutrients, fluids, and other substances that the body needs back to the blood. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. People with an inherited condition called von Hippel-Lindau syndrome are at an increased risk of developing clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Also called ccRCC, clear cell renal cell cancer, and conventional renal cell carcinoma.