[Classification of renal cell carcinoma/tumors and their relationship to the nephron-collecting tubules system].

After a controversial phase of nomenclature (including--among others--the terms "hypernephroma" and "hypernephroid carcinoma") a cytomorphologically defined subtyping of renal cell tumours (adenomas, carcinomas, oncocytomas) is offered, based on new electron microscopical and histochemical observations. These data are in part supported by cytogenetical findings reported in the literature. Phenotypical/histogenetical relations to different parts or cell types, respectively, of the nephron-collecting duct system could be demonstrated. Chromophobe cell carcinoma and oncocytoma exhibit features of the intercalated cells.