The imaging evaluation of renal cell carcinoma: diagnosis and staging.

Computed tomography plays the dominant role in the pretreatment evaluation of renal carcinomas. For detection, definition (staging), and determination of resectability or recurrence, both computed tomography with dynamic intravenous contrast enhancement and magnetic resonance imaging with Gadolinium-based contrast enhancement may offer all the cross-sectional imaging information required prior to institution of appropriate therapy. Ultrasonography and color-flow Doppler ultrasonography may offer unique information about tumor vascularity and major venous vascular involvement. An oncologic imaging approach that is based on tumor staging and classification for patients with real or suspected renal carcinoma is described.