A practical guide and decision-making protocol for the management of complex renal cystic masses

To analyse the management, pathology and outcomes of complex renal cystic masses (CRCM) and to develop a decision-making tool for daily clinical care using the Bosniak classification system for CRCM.

A comprehensive dataset of 185 patients with 188 CRCM and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were analysed for management, pathology and outcomes.

We analysed 35 Bosniak II, 34 Bosniak IIF, 58 Bosniak III, and 61 Bosniak IV lesions. The overall incidence of renal cell carcinoma was 8.6%, 29.4%, 62.1%, and 78.7% for each category. Based on our surveillance strategy of Bosniak IIF masses, we recommend computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) every 2 years after the initial examination. We also recommend performing one MRI (as an adjunct to CT) during the early follow-up period (<4 years). The use of MRI correlation for differential diagnostic purposes has proven useful for marginal Bosniak II, IIF and III cases.

From our data, we have created a decision-making protocol to guide urologists in planning a safe and effective diagnostic and treatment strategy for CRCM. The Bosniak classification is a useful tool for clinical decision-making. Uncertainties still remain for Bosniak IIF and III lesions. Our protocol shows that individualised decision-making is necessary in a significant proportion of CRCM.