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Small Renal Lesion - Very Nervous
49M. Had abdominal issues (likely unrelated) in October 2023. Abdominal/Pelvic CT w&w/o contrast showed 11mm (1.1cm) indeterminate renal lesion on right kidney. Follow up with Renal Ultrasound in December 2023 revealed no renal lesion (though US report stated it was limited study due to bowel gas). Going for MRI tomorrow. When I went to urologist (who ordered the MRI), he said in looking at the CT, it’s a flip of a coin as to what it could be. He was pretty clear in telling me he could not tell what it is. However, later on, when I reviewed his visit note where he orders the MRI, it states “highly concerning for RCC” though also in his visit note states complex hemorrhagic cyst vs. RCC. When I called him about it, he advised he needed to use that wording to get the MRI approved. I have been paralyzed with fear and anxiety since reading that visit note. I understand most if not all that are here have gone through this or worse but I’m just seeking anyone’s thoughts, advice, comments, or anything that may benefit me. I also have made the mistake of Googling every possible thing on kidney cancer imaginable and that certainly has not helped. I really appreciate any responses. God bless you all.
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Reading Doug’s experience really has me concerned. I had two surgical procedures following a CT scan which found a heterogeneous enhancing mass lesion within the interpolar region of the right kidney that measures up to 4.5 x 4.4 x 3.6 cm in greatest dimension. The urologist examined the inside of the kidney, determined it was not affected by a tumor on the outside of the kidney and has scheduled me for removal of the kidney. Isn’t there a way to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant before the kidney is removed?
It's probably best to discuss thst with your doctor. perhaps even if it is benign , it is going to overtake ths kidney, and cause stress affects to your other kidney etc.
Have you considered a second opinion?
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1 Reaction@am1974 Have you had the MRI, yet? Is is with or without contrast? Please look at your eGFR first. Typically, under 30, a doctor is hesitant to use contrast due to the difficulty of clearing contrast from the kidneys.
As you have found out, doing a "Dr. Google" can lead you down a rabbit hole of information, not all of it is reliable nor informative! In fact, you can probably find something to support any position you want to take.
I agree with @lbrockme, and getting a second opinion may be the best course. Do you have access to do this?
Ginger
Hello Ginger: I did have my MRI and both the reading radiologist and urologist oncologist said it was definitively a benign cyst. As a precaution, I requested a follow up scan in a year. Thank you for reaching out. This is a great forum.
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1 Reaction@am1974 Oh, that's great to hear! I bet you're relieved! Good to request that follow-up scan, definitely.
And, good for you for advocating for yourself! Now, go have a cuppa tea or coffee, and a cookie as reward!
Ginger