Incidental renal tumours: the frequency of benign lesions and the role of preoperative core biopsy

Abstract

A higher than previously anticipated proportion of incidentally detected small renal masses are benign. Given the high sensitivity and specificity, there is value in taking a core biopsy of small incidental renal lesions, a procedure with a low complication rate (1%). When analysed by a pathologist familiar with renal biopsy, this might avoid radical nephrectomy in many patients.