Imaging approach to staging of renal cell carcinoma

Current imaging techniques, especially CT and MR imaging, make accurate preoperative staging of renal cell carcinoma possible. Because surgery provides the only effective therapy and because survival depends on local and distant extent, precise staging is critical for preoperative planning and prognosis. This article reviews the advantages, limitations, accuracy, and pitfalls of each of the imaging approaches to staging renal cell carcinoma, concentrating on CT and MR imaging. This information then is summarized in a suggested overall approach to staging renal cell carcinoma.