Definition
A renal mass may be benign or malignant. Appearance, size and clinical context guide assessment.
Symptoms
Often no symptoms; blood in urine or flank pain may occur.
How it may be discovered
Frequently discovered incidentally during ultrasound or CT.
When to seek care
Discuss any reported renal mass with a doctor; blood in urine also needs assessment.
Investigations and tests
Appropriate cross-sectional imaging, renal function and indicated staging; biopsy in selected situations.
Reaching a diagnosis
Imaging characterises the lesion; tissue analysis, when obtained, determines its nature.
Treatment options
Selected small-mass surveillance, kidney-sparing surgery or nephrectomy, sometimes ablation. Advanced cancer requires type-specific specialist treatment.
Explore this topic further
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