Kidney cancer is a disease that affects over 400,000 patients worldwide each year. However, there are at least 15 different subtypes of renal cell tumors, called renal cell carcinomas, that arise from epithelial structures (tubules) within the kidney. Some of these renal cell carcinoma subtypes are associated with aggressive behavior and spread to other organs, leading to death in a subset of patients; whereas other are more indolent and are cured when surgically removed. It is the pathologist’s job to accurately diagnose and subtype specific kidney tumors so that the urologist and/or oncologist can treat the patients with appropriate therapies. After surgical removal, treatment may range from no further therapy to specific chemotherapy depending on the tumor type

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