Renal cystic masses management: Literature review

Abstract

This review article aims to cover the anatomical and pathological characteristics of cystic renal tumors as well as their treatment. The reason behind delving into this topic is due to an increase in diagnoses of renal cysts, which necessitates knowledge on how to correctly identify and handle potentially malignant lesions. Renal cysts are classified using the Bosniak system by medical professionals worldwide to determine their potential for malignancy. The likelihood of cancerous cells increases from 0% in category I, up to 95% in category IV. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common pathology observed and usually presents with a low grade and stage. Cysts categorised as IIF (indicating follow-up) have a chance of malignancy at around 25%, which necessitates monitoring every six months for five years after detection via imaging such as CT scans, MRI or contrast-enhanced ultrasonography. Although biopsy was formerly not recommended, it can now prevent roughly forty percent of unnecessary surgeries required while treating benign growths. Symptomatic treatments like sclerotherapy or laparoscopic deroofing may be applied if dealing with categories I through II cysts; however, lesion types categorized under III & IV should receive treatment akin to malignant tumours requiring margins that ensure safety during interventions conducted on them.