Management of small renal masses: Watch, cut, freeze, or fry?

摘要

The American Cancer Society estimated that >58 000 patients will be diagnosed with a renal malignancy in 2011, resulting in 13 000 deaths [1], with renal cell carcinoma constituting most of those tumors [2]. The diagnosis of small renal masses (SRMs), usually defined as a renal mass <4 cm, has increased in recent years, especially in patients in their eighth decade, mostly due to the increased use of ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) [3,4]. Most of the SRMs are currently detected incidentally, as a result of imaging performed for unrelated complaints [5,6]. Fortunately, most SRMs, if malignant, are of low stage and grade [7,8]. As such, urologists are currently encountering an increased number of patients with SRMs and are challenged as to the most appropriate course of management.