[Cyto- and molecular genetic studies of renal cell carcinoma with special reference to multifocal carcinoma lesions].

In 86 consecutive radical nephrectomies we found in 12 kidneys (13.8%) a total of 17 multicentric foci of carcinoma. Beside the usual histopathological investigations we performed in seven secondary tumors further cyto-and molecular genetic analyses. The structural and/or numerical chromosome aberrations in the small secondary tumors were similar to the changes in the main tumors. We conclude that these foci have malignant potential. In eight of these results and the multicentricity that was found, we continue to recommend elective radical nephrectomy in renal cell carcinoma.