Image-guided biopsy and radiofrequency ablation of renal masses

Most renal masses are now identified on cross-sectional imaging examinations. The differentiation of a benign from a malignant mass is difficult, and a biopsy is sometimes required. In addition, many patients with solid neoplasms are not surgical candidates, and conventional treatment options such as chemotherapy have limited efficacy. Minimally invasive ablative techniques such as radiofrequency (RF) ablation provide new treatment options for patients with small renal cell carcinomas. This article will review the epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma and the indications and technique of renal mass biopsy, as well as discuss the new technique of RF ablation and its application to solid renal neoplasms.