Outcomes of Cystic Versus Solid Renal Masses After Surgery: A Prospective Single-centre Comparative Cohort Study

We studied a large group of patients who underwent surgery for kidney masses, comparing those that were mainly filled with fluid (cystic) to those that were solid. Although cystic kidney masses were more often cancerous, the chances of remaining cancer-free after surgery were similar for both types. The cystic or solid nature of the mass alone did not determine whether it was malignant. Disease-free survival was similar between cystic and solid tumours, and DFS was not significantly different between patients with Bosniak IV and IIF-III malignant cystic masses. Our findings support an individualized approach to the management of cystic renal masses, with the goal of avoiding unnecessary surgery while still effectively addressing cancer risk.