This module reviews the basic disease characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and the most important elements to consider when diagnosing RCC. The first topic covered is the epidemiology of RCC across different patient subgroups, as well as environmental, clinical, and genetic risk factors that have been implicated in the etiology of RCC. The next topic covered involves the typical symptoms and histopathologic features of RCC, with a review of the 5 RCC subtypes. The module then focuses on the approach to RCC diagnosis by reviewing the role of noninvasive imaging, physical examination, laboratory work-up, and other diagnostic methods. Staging of RCC based on the anatomic extent of disease is then presented, with an emphasis on the American Joint Committee of Cancer and modified Robson staging systems. The last topic reviewed includes the prognostic features associated with RCC, relative survival outcomes based on these factors, and models that have been developed that incorporate a variety of these factors to increase the accuracy of prognostic determinations.





MODULE I
Slide Deck 2 RCC: Basic Characteristics and Diagnostic Issues
Robert A. Figlin, MD
Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Oncology
Professor and Chair, Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research
City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute
Associate Director for Clinical Research
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duarte, California

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