In order to evaluate the prognostic value of the anatomical stage (pTN
M 1992) and of the histological factors (Fuhrman's grade, cellular and
architectural types), 170 renal cell carcinoma diagnosed between 1971
and 1991 were reviewed.In univariate analysis, the prognosis was corr
elated with the anatomical stage and Fuhrman's grade: for the 125 pati
ents without metastasis, grades 1 and 2 had a good prognosis, whereas
grades 3 and 4 did poorly. The cellular type was not related to surviv
al. Among architectural types, only the pseudo-sarcomatous type was co
rrelated with prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that grade and
metastasis at diagnosis were two independent predictors of survival;
the grade was prognostically superior to metastasis. Fuhrman's grade i
s essential in determining prognosis; its statistical value is superio
r to anatomical stage in multivariate analysis.