Natural History of Complex Renal Cysts

Active surveillance is often an acceptable alternative to immediate intervention.

Cystic renal masses — common incidental findings on abdominal imaging — traditionally are labeled according to the Bosniak classification system. Bosniak categories I and II (simple or minimally complex cysts) generally require no intervention. More complex cysts (Bosniak IIF, III, and IV) are more likely to be malignant (as many as 90% of Bosniak IV), but recent evidence suggests that many of these lesions remain indolent. In this retrospective study of 336 patients (mean age, 60), Toronto researchers sought to clarify the natural history of Bosniak IIF, III, and IV cysts that were identified on imaging studies done between 2001 and 2013. Median follow-up was 5.5 years.

Sixty-five patients underwent surgery or ablation (either immediately o…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Natural History of Complex Renal Cysts

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Reviewing Author