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If the tumour is smaller than 4 cm, your doctor may recommend active surveillance. This means your doctor will keep a close eye on the tumour without doing surgery right away, often through regular check-ups and scans to see if the tumour is getting bigger.
Active surveillance is usually chosen if surgery isn’t the best option for you. To make sure it's safe, your doctor might take a small sample of the tumour (a biopsy) to check if it's growing quickly. If the tumour is aggressive, surgery or other treatments might be suggested.
A biopsy is a test where a small piece of tissue is taken from the body. This piece of tissue is then looked at under a microscope to check for disease.
This chapter contains general information about active surveillance for kidney cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: May 2025