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Renal cell carcinoma: earlier discovery and increased detection
S J Smith1, M A Bosniak, A J Megibow
1Department of Radiology, New York University Medical Center, NY 10016.
Radiology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Early detection of small renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased significantly due to advances in imaging. This trend is improving cure rates, with partial nephrectomy becoming a common treatment for these early-stage kidney cancers.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Radiology
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) detection rates have evolved over time.
- Earlier detection of smaller renal tumors is a key goal in urologic oncology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the increased detection of small renal tumors (≤3.0 cm).
- To analyze the diagnostic methods and treatment outcomes for incidentally detected small renal cell carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of renal cell carcinoma cases diagnosed between 1974-1977 and 1982-1985.
- Emphasis on tumors measuring 3.0 cm or smaller.
- Analysis of diagnostic modalities, including computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US).
Main Results:
- A nearly fivefold increase in the detection of small renal tumors (≤3.0 cm) was observed between the two study periods (5.3% vs. 25.4%).
- The majority of small tumors in the later period were incidentally discovered (96.7%) and detected via CT or US (77.4%).
- Partial nephrectomy was performed on 48.4% of small renal tumors in the later series, with no reported recurrences.
Conclusions:
- Increased utilization of CT and US has led to a significant rise in the detection of small, asymptomatic renal cell carcinomas.
- Early detection of small renal tumors is expected to improve overall cure rates.
- Partial nephrectomy is increasingly utilized and effective for managing small renal tumors.