Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Renal Masses: Where Do We Stand?

Curr Urol Rep. 2022 Jun;23(6):99-111. doi: 10.1007/s11934-022-01093-x. Epub 2022 May 4.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To present an overview of the current evidence-based studies covering diagnostic and management of SRM.

Recent findings: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 3% of the cancers. Nowadays, partial nephrectomy (PN) represents gold standard treatment. New nephron-sparing approaches such as active surveillance and ablative therapies have been increasingly used as an alternative to surgical intervention. Due to novel comprehension of RCC and widespread use of imaging techniques, diagnosis at early stage in elderly patients has increased. Treatment decision-making should be based on patient and tumour characteristics. With expanding treatment options, the management of SRMs has become a debate and should be adjusted to patient and tumour characteristics. In a shared decision manner, both active surveillance with possible delayed intervention and focal therapy should be discussed with the patient as an alternative to partial nephrectomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Male
  • Nephrectomy / methods
  • Nephrons