[Imaging renal cell carcinoma].

Renal cell cancer is the most frequently encountered malignant tumor of the kidney. The modern imaging techniques computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play a vital role in the diagnostic work-up of renal masses. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is able to visualize subtle enhancement in hypovascular tumors with high sensitivity. Recent advances in multidetector CT (MDCT) enable high resolution imaging of local findings. CT is able to provide large volume coverage of the chest and abdomen within seconds for the assessment of lymph node and distant metastasis staging. Local renal cell cancer staging can be achieved with similar diagnostic accuracy using CT or MRI. Both modalities allow visualization of a tumor's relationship to the renal collecting system and pelvis, the renal artery and veins including the IVC. It is the radiologist's task to accurately detect and stage renal malignances in order that each individual patient receives the therapy best suited to them.