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Review
. 2019 Dec 30;12(1):85.
doi: 10.3390/cancers12010085.

Molecular Genetics of Renal Cell Tumors: A Practical Diagnostic Approach

Affiliations
Review

Molecular Genetics of Renal Cell Tumors: A Practical Diagnostic Approach

Reza Alaghehbandan et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

Renal epithelial cell tumors are composed of a heterogeneous group of tumors with variable morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features. A "histo-molecular" approach is now an integral part of defining renal tumors, aiming to be clinically and therapeutically pertinent. Most renal epithelial tumors including the new and emerging entities have distinct molecular and genetic features which can be detected using various methods. Most renal epithelial tumors can be diagnosed easily based on pure histologic findings with or without immunohistochemical examination. Furthermore, molecular-genetic testing can be utilized to assist in arriving at an accurate diagnosis. In this review, we presented the most current knowledge concerning molecular-genetic aspects of renal epithelial neoplasms, which potentially can be used in daily diagnostic practice.

Keywords: kidney; molecular genetic features; practical approach; renal cell carcinoma; review.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Some renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) with TFEB translocation lack typical morphology with pseudorosettes and rather show solid architecture. 4× magnification.
Figure 2
Figure 2
SDHB-deficient RCC with typical morphology-eosinophilic renal tumor with numerous vacuoles resembling texture of bubble wrap. 10× magnification.
Figure 3
Figure 3
FH-deficient RCC: deep red macronucleoli can be prominent (A), however in some cases it is not easy to detect them (B). 4× magnification.
Figure 3
Figure 3
FH-deficient RCC: deep red macronucleoli can be prominent (A), however in some cases it is not easy to detect them (B). 4× magnification.
Figure 4
Figure 4
RCC with TFEB break and TFEB amplification. 4× magnification.

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