Pathologic characteristics of extirpated renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens <7 cm were reviewed to get better information on technical nuances of renal mass biopsy (RMB). Specimens were stratified according to tumor stage, nuclear grade, size, histology, presence of lymphovas-cular invasion (LVI), necrosis, and sarcomatoid features. When considering pT1 (0–7 cm) tumors pT1b (4–7 cm), RCC masses were more likely to have necrosis (43% vs 16%, P < 0.001), LVI (6% vs 2%, P = 0.024), high-grade nuclear elements (29% vs 17%, P < 0.001), and sarcomatoid features (2% vs 0%, P = 0.006) compared with pT1a (0–4 cm) tumors. Additionally, pT3a tumors were more highly associated with necrosis (P = 0.005), LVI, sarcomatoid features, and high-grade disease (P for all < 0.001) when compared to pT1 masses. For masses <4 cm, pT3a cancers were more likely to demonstrate necrosis (38% vs 16%, P < 0.001), LVI (10% vs 2%, P = 0.037), high-grade nuclear elements (31% vs 17%, P = 0.05), and sarcomatoid features (3% vs 0%, P = 0.065) compared to pT1a tumors. Similarly, for masses 4–7 cm, pathologic T3a tumors were significantly more likely to have sarcomatoid features (16% vs 2%, P < 0.001) and LVI (28% vs 6%, P < 0.001) compared to pT1b tumors. In summary, pT3a tumors and those RCC masses >4 cm exhibit considerable histologic heterogeneity and may harbor elements that are not easily appreciated with limited renal sampling. Therefore, if RMB is considered for renal masses greater than 4 cm or those that abut sinus fat, a multi-quadrant biopsy approach is necessary to ensure adequate sampling and characterization of the mass.
Renal Mass Biopsy to Guide Treatment Decisions for Small Incidental Renal Tumors: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis