Epidemiology of the Small Renal Mass and the Treatment Disconnect Phenomenon

The incidence of kidney cancer has steadily increased over recent decades, with most new cases now found when lesions are asymptomatic and small. This downward stage migration relates to the increasing use of abdominal imaging. Three public health epidemics-smoking, hypertension, and obesity also play roles in the increase. Treatment mirrors the rise in incidence, with increasing interest in nephron-sparing therapies. Despite earlier detection and increasing treatment, the mortality rate has not decreased. This treatment disconnect phenomenon highlights the need to decrease unnecessary treatment of indolent tumors and address modifiable risk factors to reduce incidence and mortality.