[Renal mass biopsy: results and safety in 2009]

The role of renal mass biopsies has been limited by suboptimal results in terms of diagnostic reliability, and their scant repercussion upon therapeutic decision taking. Recently, however, renal mass biopsies have generated renewed interest among urologists, as a result of the increased incidence of renal tumors, the introduction of new management options, and advances in histological diagnosis. A review has been made, based on a PubMed search of the most relevant publications on renal tumor biopsies in recent years. The most recent clinical studies reveal a high degree of diagnostic reliability in differentiating malignancy, histological type and grade in percutaneous biopsies of renal tumors, with a low rate of associated complications. However, routine use of the technique remains controversial, and its indications limited, due to the scant capacity of the renal biopsy findings to modify treatment decision.