Benign and Malignant Renal Masses Overview

Questions and Answers

What percentage of renal masses are considered benign?

20-25%

15-20% (correct)

5-10%

10-15%

Which imaging modality is regarded as the most important for characterizing renal masses?

X-ray

PET scan

Ultrasound

Thin sliced renal CT scan (correct)

What should be considered when a renal mass enhances with intravenous contrast material on CT?

It is benign.

It requires immediate surgical intervention.

It indicates the need for renal biopsy.

It should be considered a renal cell carcinoma until proven otherwise. (correct)

Which triad of symptoms is associated with Wunderlich syndrome?

<p>Acute flank pain, evidence of internal bleeding, and palpable abdominal mass</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance should selective embolization be considered as a first-line therapy?

<p>In cases of acute or life-threatening hemorrhage</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Benign Renal Masses

Comprise a large and diverse group of renal lesions.
Account for 15-20% of renal masses; may require partial or radical nephrectomy or embolization for optimal management.
Early intervention is crucial for younger females wishing to conceive.
Selective embolization is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients experiencing acute or potentially life-threatening hemorrhage.
Surgical exploration in emergency situations can lead to total nephrectomy.

Wunderlich Syndrome

Defined by massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage; occurs in 10% of angiomyolipomas (AMLs), with increased risk during pregnancy.
Characterized by Lenk’s triad: acute flank pain, internal bleeding evidence, and a palpable tender abdominal mass.
Associated signs include Grey Turner sign and Cullen’s sign.

Malignant Kidney Tumors

A thin-sliced renal CT scan is critical for assessing the nature of a renal mass.
Renal masses that enhance with intravenous contrast material greater than 15 Hounsfield Units (HU) are typically classified as renal cell carcinoma (RCC) until proven otherwise.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) serves as an alternative standard imaging modality for renal mass characterization.

Renal Biopsy

A viable option for the evaluation of small renal tumors to establish diagnosis.

Description

This quiz covers essential information about benign renal masses, including management strategies and the significance of Wunderlich Syndrome. It also addresses the assessment and characteristics of malignant kidney tumors. Understand the crucial indicators for intervention and treatment options available.