Pathology of renal cell carcinomas

A wide range of neoplasms can occur in the kidney. Renal cell neoplasms, a group of heterogeneous tumors arising from the renal tubular epithelium, represent over 90% of all the tumors in adult kidneys. These tumors have characteristic pathologic, cytogenetic, and molecular characteristics, and biologic behavior and therapeutic outcomes. The 2004 World Health Organization classification of renal tumors represent the most updated classification system based on histomorphology and genetics. Pathologic examination of the renal cell carcinoma specimens is critical because it not only renders diagnosis, but also provides information important for prognosis and therapeutic decisions. In addition, tumor tissues could be procured for clinical trials and experimental studies. Furthermore, pathologists could allocate any redundant tumor tissues not required for diagnosis to basic research programs. Pathologists, urologists, and other clinicians play equally important roles in the optimal handling and processing of renal cell carcinoma specimens.