title: The Mainz Classification of Renal Cell Tumors.
abstract: BACKGROUND: Tumors arising from the renal tubular epithelium have variable characteristics and have been subject to a variety of histologic classifications. METHODS: The authors describe the distinct clinical, pathologic, phenotypic, and genotypic features of different types of renal tumors. RESULTS: The Mainz classification is now widely accepted because characteristic genetic alterations have been demonstrated in each tumor type. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing emphasis on utilizing genetic characteristics of specific tumors is reflected by the more widespread use of the Mainz classification for renal cell tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Mora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hakam