Issues and challenges associated with classifying neoplasms in percutaneous needle BIOPSIES of incidentally found small renal masses

Percutaneous needle core biopsy has become acceptable for classifying renal tumours and guiding patient management in the setting of an incidentally-detected small renal mass (SRM), defined as an asymptomatic, non-palpable mass < 4cm in maximum dimension. Long-held concerns preventing the incorporation of biopsies into routine patient care, including the perception of poor diagnostic yield and risks of complications such as bleeding or biopsy tract seeding, have largely been disproven. While needle biopsies for SRM’s have traditionally been performed in academic centres, pathologists based in non-academic centres can expect to encounter these specimens as urologists and/or interventional radiologist trainees complete their training programs and begin work in non-academic centres.

Source: Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology - February 4, 2015 Category: Pathology Authors: Andrew J Evans, Brett Delahunt, John R Srigley Source Type: research