Kidney Masses & Cancer
Will I need a biopsy before ablation?
What you need to know
Usually, yes.
Guidelines recommend a biopsy so we know what the tumor is before treating it.
Digging deeper
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.
Make an appointment when
Get checked if a scan shows a small kidney mass.
Caring for you in Snellville
For Loganville, our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center, 1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078, brings your visits and any procedure together in one building.
Our way of caring for 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 your visit is like
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 to get ready
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.
Time to call
Call us if you have bleeding, worsening pain or fever after a biopsy. With heavy bleeding or fever, go to the ER.
Frequently asked
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.
Video to watch
This Advanced Urology episode explains FDG PET/CT imaging for kidney, bladder and testicular cancers.
Next reads
Background information, not a substitute for being seen. Loganville articles