The surgical treatment of advanced renal cancers is challenging.
Renal cell carcinoma is interesting in that it invades the vasculature and can extend up as far as the right atrium. Extension of tumour thrombus into the right atrium represents level IV disease, according to Robson staging. Transoesophageal echocardiography is useful for diagnostic purposes. It is also of great value for intraoperative cardiac monitoring and to confirm the extent of vascular involvement.
Written by:
George J, Grebenik K, Patel N, Cranston D, Westaby S. Are you the author?
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, UK.
Reference: Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2014 Sep;96(6):e18-9.
doi: 10.1308/003588414X13946184903207
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25198964