4. Current Status of Renal Biopsy

Current Status of Renal Biopsy for Small Renal Masses

Small renal masses (SRMs) are defined as radiologically enhancing renal masses of less than 4 cm in maximal diameter. The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has increased in recent years, which is mainly due to the rise in incidental detection of localized SRMs. However, the cancer-specific mortality rate is not increasing. This discrepancy may be dependent on the indolent nature of SRMs. ...

Current status of renal clearances.

Determination of renal clearances continues to have value in clinical situations. Current knowledge of renal function permits expansion of the clearance concept to include non-excretory mechanisms by which kidneys clear substances from blood. Measurement of clearances is useful in quantifying renal function, progression of renal disease, response to therapy, determining the amount of dialysis r...

Sentinel node biopsy: concepts and current status.

One of the major routes for spread of cancer is via lymphatic vessels to local lymph nodes. For this reason, local lymph nodes are removed to prevent further spread of tumors. Over the years, surgery has evolved from therapeutic lymphadenectomy for involved nodes to elective lymphadenectomy when the risk of harboring metastasis was high. Two major problems encountered with such an approach incl...

Indications for biopsy and the current status of focal therapy for renal tumours

The increased detection of small renal masses (SRMs) has focused attention on their uncertain natural history. The development of treatment alternatives and the discovery of biologically targeted drugs have also raised interest. Renal mass biopsies (RMBs) have a crucial role as they provide the pathological, molecular and genetic information needed to classify these lesions and guide clinical m...

Current status of live-donor renal transplantation