I have multiple masses on both my kidneys, non-cancer: Why?

Hello @melli924 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. First, let me say what positive news it is that the masses are not cancerous. I am sure that is a relief despite the uncertainty as to why you are experiencing this still. When your doctor did the biopsy, was there anything else learned about the masses? Any recommendations made to you in terms of what your doctor can do for you?

Nope, nothing was learned. The pathology was sent to Mayo but nothing. There is another mass near my aorta that the Dr's feel is dangerous to biopsy but its in the talks of it needing to be done. The Dr's are saying they honestly don't know at this point. They mentioned writing a case study on me but no solutions. I've asked about kidney failure, transplant possibility, surgery options, but nothing due to not knowing whats causing this to happen and what it is

Have you been referred to a nephrologist? I received a kidney transplant 2 years ago because of ADPKD (polycystic kidney disease). I know that PKD often results in cysts in other organs as well as the kidneys. If you haven’t seen a nephrologist I would request a referral to one for a more specialized opinion.

Years ago, I had a small mass on my right kidney that was cancerous. The surgeon radiologist solved the problem with cryoblasia which essentially froze the mass. At that time, I do not recall seeing a nephrologist but worked with an interventionalist who repeated x rays for 5 years.

I have not been referred to a nephrologist. I seen a urologist and now being referred to a rheumatologist and cardiologist.

I’ve received excellent care and treatment at Mayo Clinic. Their staff includes some of the most highly qualified medical experts. I would recommend either asking for a referral or contacting them for an appointment.

Hi @collegeprof It's nice to meet you. I recently had a routine abdominal ultrasound and they discovered a "renal complex cyst" on my newly transplanted kidney.
How was your renal mass discovered? Was your mass originally identified as a "renal complex cyst"?
What tests did you have for final diagnosis and where did you have your cyroblasia procedure?
I was hoping to meet someone with a successful experience like your story!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. 😊

Do you have any lung issues? I have a rare genetic lung disease Birt Hogg Dube, also known as BHD, that causes cysts in the lungs and kidneys. Many medical professionals are not aware of it. It also can cause small bumps on the face. There is a website you can learn about it to see if anything fits. Mayo Rochester has a genetic department that is very familiar with it. Good luck!

This happened at least 15 or so years ago. It was actually discovered by my urologist at a time I believe he was looking at my bladder in the hospital. As I said, I spent most of my time with a radiologist who was an Interventionist. One of the ways to contain the growth of this small cancerous mass was to perform cryoblasia which essentially freezes this spot. All of this was performed in the hospital. Annually, I had an x ray for the first 5 years. No further growth took place during that time, so you may want to call it a cure as to my cancer, but know I have CKD, probably not related to this event. Medical treatment may have changed since then. Remember, I had one small mass on my right kidney, not multiple on both kidneys. I honestly do not know if it was identified as a "complex cyst". I had it done at Banner Hospital in AZ.. I really think your best bet is to work with your urologist and find a good interventional radiologist to help solve your problem.

Thank you for all the details @collegeprof
I really appreciate hearing about your successfully treated mass. It is the first time I heard about a mass being "frozen" on a kidney. 😊
Is your CKD in a early stage and currently stable? I had CKD since I was a little girl.