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CT and MRI of small renal masses
Zhen J Wang1, Antonio C Westphalen1, Ronald J Zagoria1
11 Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, CA , USA.
Abstract:
Small renal masses are increasingly detected incidentally at imaging. They vary widely in histology and aggressiveness, and include benign renal tumors and renal cell carcinomas that can be either indolent or aggressive. Imaging plays a key role in the characterization of these small renal masses. While a confident diagnosis can be made in many cases, some renal masses are indeterminate at imaging and can present as diagnostic dilemmas for both the radiologists and the referring clinicians. This article will summarize the current evidence of imaging features that correlate with the biology of small solid renal masses, and discuss key approaches in imaging characterization of these masses using CT and MRI.
Insights
Imaging helps characterize small renal masses, distinguishing benign from aggressive tumors. This review covers imaging features using CT and MRI to aid diagnosis and management of these common findings.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Small renal masses are frequently discovered incidentally during medical imaging.
- These masses encompass a spectrum from benign tumors to aggressive renal cell carcinomas.
- Accurate characterization is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on imaging features correlating with the biology of small solid renal masses.
- To discuss imaging characterization approaches using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on imaging of small renal masses.
- Analysis of imaging features on CT and MRI.
- Correlation of imaging findings with tumor histology and aggressiveness.
Main Results:
- Imaging features can predict the nature and aggressiveness of small renal masses.
- CT and MRI provide valuable information for characterizing indeterminate masses.
- Certain imaging patterns are associated with specific renal tumor types.
Conclusions:
- Imaging is essential for characterizing small renal masses, guiding clinical decisions.
- CT and MRI play a vital role in differentiating benign from malignant and indolent from aggressive renal tumors.
- Further research can refine imaging criteria for improved diagnostic accuracy.
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