Kidney Masses & Cancer
Will I need a biopsy before ablation?
What is the short answer?
Usually, yes.
Guidelines recommend a biopsy so we know what the tumor is before treating it.
What else should I know?
Some small kidney masses turn out to be benign.
Knowing the type helps guide treatment and follow-up.
A biopsy is done with a thin needle, either at a separate visit or at the start of the ablation.
When should I make an appointment?
Get checked if a scan shows a small kidney mass.
Where will I be seen?
For Loganville, our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, brings your visits and any procedure together in one building.
How do our urologists approach this?
Our urologists usually recommend a biopsy before ablation, because knowing the tumor type guides both treatment and follow-up. Some small kidney masses turn out to be benign, and that can change the plan entirely. We explain how the biopsy is done, whether it happens at a separate visit or at the start of the ablation, and when you’ll get results.
What happens at a visit?
Bring your imaging and medicine list; blood thinners may need a short pause, which we’ll arrange with the doctor who prescribes them. We’ll go over what to expect on the day and afterward.
How should I prepare?
Bring your scan reports and a medicine list that includes blood thinners and supplements. Plan on a driver if sedation is used, and keep the rest of the day quiet. Write down any questions about the biopsy results so we can go over them together.
When should I call?
Call us if you have bleeding, worsening pain or fever after a biopsy. With heavy bleeding or fever, go to the ER.
What do patients often ask?
These are the questions we hear most, each with a short answer.
Why not skip the biopsy?
Some small kidney masses turn out to be benign, and knowing the type guides treatment and follow-up.
Is the biopsy a separate visit?
It can be, or it can be done at the start of the ablation.
Is there a video on this?
This Advanced Urology episode explains FDG PET/CT imaging for kidney, bladder and testicular cancers.
- Watch: #021 - FDG PET / CT for Kidney, Bladder and Testicular Cancers What the video covers: A podcast episode explaining the FDG PET/CT scan and how it helps with urologic cancers other than prostate cancer, such as bladder, kidney and testicular cancer.
What should I read next?
Background information, not a substitute for being seen. Loganville articles