Recent advances in preoperative imaging of renal tumors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this article is to discuss the expanded role of imaging and imaging-guided biopsy in the management of renal tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Certain features on cross-sectional imaging aid in preoperative differentiation of renal parenchymal tumors. Volumetric measurement on imaging has demonstrated variable growth rate among renal tumors. Radioisotope labeled chimeric G250, a monoclonal antibody to carbonic anhydrase IX antigen, has shown the potential to target clear cell renal carcinoma with high sensitivity and specificity. With advances in technology, imaging-guided biopsy has shown higher accuracy and diagnostic rate than the past in the preoperative diagnosis of renal tumors.

SUMMARY

Greater understanding of the imaging features of specific kinds of renal masses and more accurate imaging-guided biopsy are important advances in the management of renal tumors.