Renal cell carcinoma is the commonest malignancy of the kidney in adults.  Although there are several histological sub-types, the majority are clear-cell - approaching nearly 80%.

The classic presentation described is with gross hematuria, flank pain and a palpable mass is now less common as many present at an early stage, often as incidental findings on imaging.

The usual method of renal cell carcinoma staging is now using the TMN classification, although the Robson staging is still recognized.