The contemporary role of renal mass biopsy in the management of small renal tumors

Abstract

The selective use of percutaneous biopsy for diagnosis in renal masses is a relatively uncommon approach when compared to the management of other solid neoplasms. With recent advancements in imaging techniques and their widespread use, the incidental discovery of asymptomatic, small renal masses (SRM) is on the rise and a substantial percentage of these SRM are benign. Recent advances in diagnostics have significantly improved accuracy rates of renal mass biopsy (RMB), making it a potentially powerful tool in the management of SRM. In this review, we will discuss the current management of SRM, problems with the traditional view of RMB, improvements in the diagnostic power of RMB, cost-effectiveness of RMB, and risks associated with RMB. RMB may offer important information enabling treating clinicians to better risk-stratify patients and ultimately provide a more personalized treatment approach for SRM.

Evaluation of Urine Aquaporin-1 and Perilipin-2 Concentrations as Biomarkers to Screen for Renal Cell Carcinoma

“…8,28-30 Indeed, in one study, about a third of patients with a benign tumor underwent a radical nephrectomy. 29 One approach to differential diagnosis of imaged renal masses is renal biopsy, 16,29,30 however, only about 80% of renal mass biopsies are of diagnostic value while the remaining 20% are non-diagnostic. 16,29 Moreover, renal biopsy is invasive with potential for complications.…”

Ten uncommon and unusual variants of renal angiomyolipoma (AML): radiologic–pathologic correlation

“…nodules is evolving and rapidly gaining acceptance in clinical practice. 16,17,54,55 A review of this topic is beyond the scope of this manuscript; however, the salient points for the abdominal radiologist include: (1) low risk of metastatic disease in small renal masses that undergo observation with serial imaging 15e17 ; (2)approximately 20% incidence of benign diagnosis in small renal masses; and (3) excellent rates of diagnosis and low complication rates for percutaneous biopsy of renal masses. 54e57…”

Factors Associated with Diagnostic Accuracy When Performing a Preablation Renal Biopsy

“…Currently, sensitivities of 80% to 92% and specificities of 83% to 100% are reported. 3 The primary aim of this study was to identify patient and tumor characteristics that may play a role in determining the accuracy of a PABx obtained at the time of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). This, in turn, would aid in future RFA patient counseling.…”