Incidental Solid Renal Masses: Radiologic Assessment and Managements

ABSTRACT

The steady increase in imaging studies has led to the incidental discovery of many renal masses. Although most incidental solid renal masses are asymptomatic and small in size, they are mostly malignant renal cancers necessitating accurate diagnosis. Small-sized masses are more likely to be benign tumors; therefore, access is needed according to size. Because most malignant tumors are renal cell carcinoma, and most benign tumors are angiomyolipoma and oncocytoma. Knowledge of common imaging findings of these tumors is helpful for diagnosis and management. However, imaging techniques are often insufficient to characterize solid renal masses which are discovered incidentally in radiological examinations, especially small-sized masses. Herein, we describe the imaging features characteristic of incidental solid renal masses and discuss their management in cases when an accurate diagnosis could or could not be made.