Opinion

Video

Treatment or Lack of Treatment of Small Renal Masses

Explore treatment options for small renal masses, including surveillance, surgery, and biopsy, while understanding the role of ccRCC PET in diagnosis.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected

      Treatment Approaches and Role of Biopsy

      Main Discussion Topics:

      • Masses under 2 cm are typically managed with active surveillance.
      • Options for masses that are 2 to 4 cm include ablation (eg, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation) and surgical approaches.
      • Kidney cancer is often treated without tissue diagnosis, unlike most other cancers.
      • Biopsy utilization depends on tumor characteristics and management implications.

      Key Points for Physicians:

      • Small masses (< 2cm) are generally appropriate for active surveillance.
      • Approximately 60% to 70% of small renal masses are malignant.
      • Biopsy is considered for unusual lesions, suspected metastases, or infiltrative patterns.
      • Risk stratification can be enhanced by considering patient age, gender, and tumor size.

      Notable Insights:

      Kidney cancer remains one of the few cancers typically treated without tissue confirmation, though this approach is increasingly being questioned.

      Clinical Significance:

      Size-based management algorithms provide practical guidance, but patient-specific factors and tumor characteristics should inform individualized treatment decisions.

      © 2025 MJH Life Sciences

      All rights reserved.