Comparison of angiography and computed tomography using new morphologic criteria in staging of renal cell carcinoma.

The staging of tumor extension, and regional lymph node and venous involvement by angiography and computed tomography (CT) using new morphologic criteria were compared with the surgical and histopathologic stage in 59 patients (60 cases) with renal cell carcinoma. A high degree of accuracy in staging of both angiography and CT was demonstrated. However, CT was more accurate and sensitive than angiography in the evaluation of tumor extension and regional lymph node involvement, and equally accurate in that of venous involvement. We emphasize that new morphologic criteria of angiography and CT are clinically useful, and CT is the primary approach for the staging of renal cell carcinoma.