The evolving role of percutaneous biopsy in renal masses.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the current literature concerning the role of biopsy for renal masses.

RECENT FINDINGS: Improvements in biopsy techniques lead to a redefinition of the role of renal mass biopsy (RMB).Additionally, several studies highlighted the safety, high diagnostic accuracy, and very low rate of clinically relevant complications of RMB. As the knowledge about the nature of renal masses has expanded, and management options for small renal masses are increasing, the current indications for RMB and its role for the management of small renal masses are also expanding.

SUMMARY: The future role of RMB will be influenced by the combination of pathological, molecular, and genetic information that will, heighten and improve our knowledge about these lesions and set the stage for risk-adapted personalized medicine.