Genetics of epithelial tumors of the renal parenchyma in adults and renal cell carcinoma in children

The classification of renal cell carcinomas has been affected by both the d elineation of new histologic subtypes and the understanding that recognized histomorphologic patterns are reflective of specific sets of cytogenetic a bnormalities. In fact, standard methods of clinicopathologic study and cyto genetic analysis have been cooperatively contributory in the evolution of c urrent concepts regarding the biologic nature and classification of renal p arenchymal epithelial tumors. In this review, the current classification sc heme for these tumors is discussed from the perspective of both the definin g histologic and cytogenetic features. Limited molecular data are described as well.