A Safe, Personalized Approach to Managing Small Kidney Tumors
Not all kidney tumors need to be removed right away. At Fore River Urology, active surveillance can be a safe and effective option for carefully selected patients with small renal masses (SRMs)—usually defined as kidney tumors less than 4 cm in size.
This approach allows us to monitor the tumor closely over time, avoiding or delaying surgery unless it becomes truly necessary.
What Is a Renal Mass?
A renal mass refers to a growth or tumor on the kidney. These can range from harmless benign cysts to malignant (cancerous) tumors such as renal cell carcinoma. Many small renal masses are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues and may never cause harm.
What Is Active Surveillance?
Active surveillance involves closely monitoring a kidney tumor through routine imaging and follow-up rather than removing it right away. This strategy is most often used for:
- Small tumors (<2 cm)
- Tumors found in older patients or those with other health concerns
- Tumors that appear slow-growing and low-risk
- Patients who prefer to avoid or delay surgery
Why Consider Active Surveillance?
- Many small kidney tumors grow very slowly, or not at all.
- Some may never become dangerous, especially in older patients or those with other medical conditions.
- Surveillance avoids the risks and recovery associated with surgery or ablation.
- If the tumor shows signs of growth or change, treatment can be initiated promptly.
At Fore River Urology, we develop a personalized surveillance plan based on your health, imaging, and preferences—and we adjust the plan as needed over time.
How Does Surveillance Work?
Patients on active surveillance typically undergo:
- Initial evaluation with high-quality imaging (CT or MRI)
- Repeat imaging at regular intervals—often every 6 months
- Ongoing review by your urologist to assess growth rate and overall kidney health
In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be recommended to gather more information about the tumor before committing to a surveillance or treatment plan.
Is Active Surveillance Safe?
Yes—for the right patients, active surveillance is a safe and well-established approach. Research has shown that many small renal masses can be safely monitored for years without impacting overall survival or quality of life.
Our team will work closely with you to ensure the tumor remains stable and to recommend timely intervention if anything changes.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been diagnosed with a small kidney tumor, you may not need surgery right away. The team at Fore River Urology can help you understand your options and determine if active surveillance is right for you.
