title: Surveillance of Small Renal Masses.
abstract: The widespread utilization of imaging has led to an increasing incidence of small renal masses (SRMs). However, at least 20% are benign. Nevertheless, nephron-sparing surgery is the standard treatment for SRMs without pretreatment characterization with biopsy. Elderly patients and patients with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy may safely be managed with active surveillance with low risk of disease progression and mortality. An initial period of observation to determine tumor growth kinetics is safe and appropriate in select candidates. Renal tumor biopsy is accurate, safe and should be considered for SRMs prior to finalizing treatment plans.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Ardalan E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Finelli
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: m.jewett@utoronto.ca.
authors.forename: Michael A S
authors.initials: MAS
authors.lastname: Jewett
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology*; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018426:SEER Program; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends