In cases of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that measure less than 4 cm, the standard treatment approach is partial nephrectomy. This procedure is preferred due to the following reasons:
- Preservation of renal function: A partial nephrectomy, sometimes called nephron-sparing surgery, allows for the preservation of as much renal function as possible compared to a radical nephrectomy, which involves removal of the entire kidney.
- Oncological Safety: For small renal masses, a partial nephrectomy has been shown to provide equivalent cancer control outcomes to radical nephrectomy.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: These procedures can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which reduce recovery time and postoperative complications.
Given the considerations regarding kidney function preservation and the effectiveness of treatment, partial nephrectomy stands out as the optimal treatment for patients with renal cell carcinoma tumors smaller than 4 cm.