Renal mass Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult urology outpatient services for renal mass.
Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
  • Nil
Immediate referral
Orange exclamation mark in triangle: orange alertImmediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate urology assessment (seen within 7 days):
  • Renal malignancy confirmed
  • Renal malignancy with suspicion of metastatic disease
To contact the relevant service, see Clinician Assist WA: Acute Urology Assessment (external site)
Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
  • Incidental renal mass on imaging
  • Mass suspicious for malignancy
  • Angiomyolipoma
  • Intra-collecting system lesion
  • Complex cystic lesion
Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason).

This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.

History
  • Relevant history, onset, duration and severity of symptoms
  • Current medication list
  • Any known allergies
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • FBC
  • U&E
  • Urinary tract ultrasound (US) or renal ultrasound (US) or CT intravenous pyelography (IVP)          
Highly desirable
History
  • Nil            
Examination
  • Nil
Investigations
  • LFT
  • Ca
  • Staging CT scan of chest/abdomen/pelvis
Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

  • Imaging showing any of the following:
    • solid renal mass ≥ 4 cm
    • intra-collecting system lesion
    • complex cystic lesion ≥ 4cm in size
    • bilateral solid mass

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

  • Imaging showing any of the following:
    • solid or complex cystic renal mass <4 cm without evidence of metastatic disease
    • angiomyolipoma ≥ 4cm
    • angiomyolipoma < 4cm in a female of childbearing age
    • large symptomatic simple renal cyst

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

  • No defined category 3 criteria 
Exclusions
  • Simple <10cm renal cysts (diagnosed by ultrasound (US) and/or CT scan)
Useful information
  • Nil

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Last reviewed: 29-04-2025