CUA guideline on the management of cystic renal lesions

Cystic renal lesions are usually diagnosed incidentally on routine imaging. With the increased use of abdominal imaging, there is a growing number of individuals being diagnosed with renal cystic disease.1 It is estimated that up to one-third of individuals over 60 years of age will be diagnosed with at least one simple renal cyst following abdominal imaging.2 Therefore, patients are often referred to urologists for opinions about diagnosis and management of these lesions. Physicians managing these masses need to distinguish cystic lesions from solid renal masses with necrotic components, which behave more aggressively.3 Hence, the characterization of these cystic renal masses is crucial to determine the best clinical approach to be adopted. We reviewed the literature with the aim to offer guidance to physicians managing cystic renal lesions and to standardize their management across Canada