Current management of small renal masses

Radiologia (Engl Ed). 2020 May-Jun;62(3):167-179. doi: 10.1016/j.rx.2019.11.004. Epub 2019 Dec 24.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

One of the consequences of the growing use of diagnostic imaging techniques is the notable growth in the detection of small renal masses presumably corresponding to localized tumors that are potentially curable with surgical treatment. When faced with the finding of a small renal mass, radiologists must determine whether it is benign or malignant, and if it is malignant, what subtype it belong to, and whether it should be managed with surgical treatment, with ablative techniques, or with watchful waiting with active surveillance. Small renal masses are now a clinical entity that require management different from the approaches used for classical renal cell carcinomas. In this scenario, radiologists are key because they are involved in all aspects of the management of these tumors, including in their diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Keywords: Ablative treatment; Masas renales pequeñas; Nefrectomía; Nephrectomy; Small renal masses; Tratamiento ablativo; Vigilancia activa; Watchful waiting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / surgery
  • Contrast Media
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings
  • Kidney Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases, Cystic / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Kidney Neoplasms / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tumor Burden
  • Ultrasonography
  • Watchful Waiting

Substances

  • Contrast Media