Kidney Cancer Dictionary

papillary renal cell carcinoma: Characterized by the development of multiple papillary tumors in both kidneys

primary tumor staging (T): TX: Primary tumor cannot be assessed (information not available).T0: No evidence of a primary tumor.T1a: Tumor is 4 cm (about 11/2 inches) in diameter or smaller and is limited to the kidney.T1b: Tumor is larger than 4 cm but smaller than 7 cm (about 2¾ inches) and is limited to the kidney. T2: Tumor is larger than 7 cm but is still limited to the kidney. T3a: Tumor has spread into the adrenal gland or into fatty tissue around the kidney, but not beyond a fibrous tissue called Gerota’s fascia, which surrounds the kidney and nearby fatty tissue. T3b: Tumor has spread into the large vein leading out of the kidney (renal vein) and/or the part of the large vein leading into the heart (vena cava) that is within the abdomen. T3c: Tumor has reached the part of the vena cava that is within the chest or invades the wall of the vena cava. T4: Tumor has spread beyond Gerota’s fascia.

renal cell carcinoma (RCC): The most common type of kidney cancer The kidneys contain millions of tiny filters called nephrons. Nephrons in turn contain small tubes called tubules. RCC usually starts in the cells that line the tubules.

renal oncocytoma: A renal oncocytoma is an epithelial tumor thought to arise from proximal tubular or intercalated cells of collecting ducts. The tumor consists of large eosinophilic cells with small round nuclei.

renal venogram: Like the arteriography, a renal venogram is performed by placing a catheter into the renal vein injecting dye to highlight these features on an X-ray, this allowing a greater concentration of dye and a high resolution image.