Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) are vascular tumors. MOST impoant prognostic indicator for RCC is:: (A) Nuclear grade, (B) Histological type, (C) Size, (D) Pathological staging
Answer is D. The ultimate goal of pathological staging is to select appropriate therapy and obtain prognostic information. Appropriate studies for a complete clinical staging evaluation include history and physical examination, complete blood count, serum chemistries (renal and hepatic function), urinalysis, chest x-ray (chest CT scan for an equivocal exam), CT scan of abdomen and pelvis, and a radionuclide bone scan (with x-rays of abnormal areas). Ref: Konety B.R., Williams R.D. (2008). Chapter 21. Renal Parenchymal Neoplasms. In E.A. Tanagho, J.W. McAninch (Eds), Smith's General Urology, 17e.