Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Renal Masses: Where Do We Stand?

Purpose of Review To present an overview of the current evidence-based studies covering diagnostic and management of SRM. Recent Findings Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 3% of the cancers. Nowadays, partial nephrectomy (PN) represents gold standard treatment. New nephron-sparing approaches such as active surveillance and ablative therapies have been increasingly used as an alternative to surgical intervention. Due to novel comprehension of RCC and widespread use of imaging techniques, diagnosis at early stage in elderly patients has increased. Treatment decision-making should be based on patient and tumour characteristics. With expanding treatment options, the management of SRMs has become a debate and should be adjusted to patient and tumour characteristics. In a shared decision manner, both active surveillance with possible delayed intervention and focal therapy should be discussed with the patient as an alternative to partial nephrectomy.

Automated summary

This review presents an overview of the current evidence-based studies on the diagnosis and management of SRM. Partial nephrectomy is considered the gold standard treatment, but new approaches such as active surveillance and ablative therapies are being increasingly used. Early diagnosis in elderly patients has improved due to better understanding of RCC and widespread use of imaging techniques. Treatment decisions should be based on patient and tumour characteristics.