The most important prognostic parameter in renal cell carcinoma is tumor stage. Although pathologic primary tumor (pT) categories are influenced by tumor size (pT1-pT2), critical elements (≥pT3) are dictated by invasion of structures, including renal sinus, perinephric fat, and the renal vein or segmental branches. Because this invasion can be subtle, awareness of the unique characteristics of renal cell carcinoma is critical for the pathologist to aid in clinical decision making. This review addresses challenges in pathologic stage and grade reporting and updates to the World Health Organization and American Joint Commission on Cancer classification schemes.
Surgical pathology clinics. 2018 Oct 17 [Epub]
Kanika Taneja, Sean R Williamson
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Henry Ford Hospital, K6, W615, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Henry Ford Hospital, K6, W615, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Electronic address: .