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Management of the Small Renal Mass: a 2020 Update

  • Interventional Oncology (DC Madoff, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Small renal masses (≤ cT1a, less than 4 cm) are a subset of renal tumors with low malignant and metastatic potential but increasing incidence given increased use of cross-sectional imaging. Here, we review the diagnostic and treatment options available for the lesions.

Recent Findings

While the low metastatic potential of SRMs has been known, recent studies show that 30% of SRMs removed surgically are benign. Renal biopsy is a tool that can be implemented to help with diagnosis before treatment (options of which include active surveillance, ablation, and surgery). Active surveillance might be associated with worse cancer-specific survival but all interventional methods appear to fare similarly. Advancements have also been made in percutaneous ablation techniques, and they now are included on multiple guideline statements.

Summary

Active surveillance, surgery (PN and RN), and thermal ablation are all treatment options for SRMs with similar outcomes but varying side effects.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA

    Rand N. Wilcox Vanden Berg, Spyridon P. Basourakos & Timothy D. McClure

  2. Department of Radiology, Einstein-Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA

    Samuel LaRussa

  3. Department of Interventional Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine/New York Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA

    Samuel LaRussa & Timothy D. McClure

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  1. Rand N. Wilcox Vanden Berg
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Correspondence to Timothy D. McClure.

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Wilcox Vanden Berg, R.N., Basourakos, S.P., LaRussa, S. et al. Management of the Small Renal Mass: a 2020 Update. Curr Oncol Rep 22, 69 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-020-00924-9

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