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Updated: May 11, 2026
03:19
Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Small renal masses: surgery or surveillance.
Eu Chang Hwang1, Ho Song Yu, Dong Deuk Kwon
1Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Korean Journal of Urology
|May 24, 2013
Summary
Rising kidney cancer detection, often small and localized, has not lowered mortality rates. Management is shifting towards less invasive approaches due to the high prevalence of benign tumors and varied cancer biology.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Increasing incidence of kidney cancer, particularly small, localized tumors (<4 cm), detected via routine abdominal imaging.
- Despite increased renal surgery rates, mortality from renal cell carcinoma remains unchanged.
- A significant proportion of small renal masses are benign, complicating treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving management strategies for small renal masses.
- To address the clinical uncertainty and biological heterogeneity associated with these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Review of trends in kidney cancer incidence and surgical intervention.
- Analysis of data regarding the benign nature of some small renal masses.
- Examination of the biological characteristics of incidentally discovered renal cell carcinoma.
Main Results:
- Despite increased detection and surgery for small renal masses, renal cell carcinoma mortality rates have not significantly decreased.
- Evidence suggests that many small renal masses are benign.
- The biology of incidentally found renal cell carcinoma may be more indolent than previously assumed.
Conclusions:
- Management of small renal masses is evolving towards less radical and less invasive approaches.
- Clinical decisions must balance the potential for indolent disease with the risk of aggressive or metastatic cancer.
- Understanding the heterogeneity of small renal masses is crucial for optimal patient care.
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