Stage III includes: (T1, N1, M0); (T2, N1, M0); (T3, N0, M0); (T3, N1, M0); (T3a, N0, M0); (T3a, N1, M0); (T3b, N0, M0); (T3b, N1, M0); (T3c, N0, M0); (T3c, N1, M0). T3: Tumor extends into major veins or invades adrenal gland or perinephric tissues but not beyond Gerota''s fascia. T3a: Tumor directly invades adrenal gland or perirenal and/or renal sinus fat but not beyond Gerota''s fascia. T3b: Tumor grossly extends into the renal vein or its segmental (muscle containing) branches, or vena cava below the diaphragm. T3c: Tumor grossly extends into the vena cava above the diaphragm or invades the wall of the vena cava. N0: No regional lymph node metastases. N1: Metastasis in a single regional lymph node. M0: No distant metastasis. (AJCC 6th Ed.) [from
NCI]