Observations on the growth of renal parenchymal neoplasms

The authors have observed nine well-marginated renal parenchymal tumors (in eight patients) who have had follow-up evaluation from 2 to 7 years. CT showed that the tumors ranged in size initially from 1.5 to 4.5 cm and that they all grew slightly (growth, 0.5 to 2.0 cm). No tumors metastasized during the follow-up period. Pathologic proof (renal adenocarcinoma) was available in four cases; the other patients are still alive and still have their tumors. The relatively slow growth rate of these small, well-marginated tumors might justify a nonoperative approach in elderly patients who are poor surgical risks or who have limited functioning renal tissue