Characterization of different renal cell carcinoma entities

Abstract

In recent years, the characterization of different renal cell carcinoma entities has significantly improved, in particular due to molecular typing. Classical, accepted and emerging renal cell carcinoma entities are described. A literature search was performed, followed by evaluation and description of the literature focusing on different renal cell carcinoma entities. Classical renal cell carcinoma entities such as clear cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma have been expanded in particular by molecular techniques to include, for example, translocation carcinoma or carcinoma with mutations in genes of the mitochondrial energy metabolism. Some rare entities have been accepted by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, while some are considered as emerging entities. Arange of newly accepted and emerging renal cell carcinoma entities have been introduced in the 2016 WHO classification. Aprecise and correct diagnosis is of major importance regarding the prognostic assessment, potential new therapeutic strategies and possible hereditary associations.