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Histological (Sub)Classifications and Their Prognostic Impact in Renal Cell Carcinoma

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Urologic Oncology

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Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) includes malignant epithelial tumors of the kidney with varying clinical and pathological presentation. RCC classification considers the originating cell type, histopathological features, staining characteristics, and unique molecular features. While data about the prognostic significance of RCC classification into certain subtypes remains inconsistent, there are several parameters which predict patients’ survival independent of the RCC subtype. Among these, local tumor expansion, degree of infiltrative tumor growth, presence of lymph node or distant metastases, and histopathological grade of the tumor are general features routinely assessed as prognostic markers. Increasing knowledge about underlying molecular mechanisms has led to numerous molecular and immunohistochemical markers which developed as potential prognostic factors. In the following chapter, the basis of nomenclature, staging, and grading of RCC and prognostic biomarkers are discussed. Afterward, results regarding the prognostic relevance of histological classification are summarized, followed by detailed description of particular RCC subtypes. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular pathology as well as its relevance for prognosis are presented for individual subtypes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pathology of the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany

    Anne Offermann, Christiane Kuempers & Sven Perner

  2. Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Borstel, Germany

    Anne Offermann, Christiane Kuempers & Sven Perner

Authors
  1. Anne Offermann
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  2. Christiane Kuempers
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  3. Sven Perner
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Correspondence to Anne Offermann .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Urology & Urologic Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany

    Axel S. Merseburger

  2. Dept. of Urology, University of Regensburg St. Josef Medical Centre, Regensburg, Germany

    Maximilian Burger

Section Editor information

  1. Klinik fĂĽr Urologie, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, LĂĽbeck, Germany

    Mario W. Kramer

  2. Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, LĂĽbeck, Germany

    Axel S. Merseburger

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Offermann, A., Kuempers, C., Perner, S. (2017). Histological (Sub)Classifications and Their Prognostic Impact in Renal Cell Carcinoma. In: Merseburger, A., Burger, M. (eds) Urologic Oncology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42603-7_60-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42603-7_60-1

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