Renal Epithelial Tumors 2006

Abstract

For many years, renal cell carcinomas were considered a group of relatively “boring” tumors from the surgical pathologist's point of view. Only clear and granular cell renal cell carcinomas were recognized, and in a significant number of cases both cell types coexisted. This was a very simplistic approach to the categorization of what now we recognize as a rather complex group of neoplasms. More recent classifications have recognized several additional categories of renal carcinomas. Cytogenetic information and molecular biology are being actively incorporated into our understanding of renal neoplasia, providing new insights into recognition of new types of neoplasms with specific clinical correlates. Despite all these advances, the clear cell carcinoma category still encompasses the majority (approximately 70%) of renal tumors. The role that ancillary diagnostic techniques play in the evaluation of renal neoplasms in the daily practice of pathology is unclear to most practicing surgical pathologists. Although definitive recommendations for the utilization of adjunct diagnostic techniques are still not well defined, the present manuscript will illustrate 2 epithelial renal cell tumors evaluated with traditional light microscopic tools, as well as other ancillary diagnostic techniques to address diagnostic difficulties and/or solidify a final diagnosis.