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What diagnostic tests needed to determine renal cell carcinoma?

Posted by paulinlouisiana @paulinlouisiana, Jun 11, 2021

Just found out I have 4 cm renal mass concerning for renal cell carcinoma by CT scan. Local urologist says it is at the end of wait and observe period and the kidney needs to come out. 85+% chance it’s carcinoma. He gave me the choice to have biopsy or not on this coming Wednesday. I have my first appointment at MD Anderson 7-29-21. I feel like I will probably be using MD Anderson instead of local care.
My biggest concern/question: is there any possibility that putting a hole in the “mass” will release cells that might spread? Right now it looks like it is contained in the kidney. Any other cons of doing a biopsy?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney Cancer Support Group.

mb4414 | @mb4414 | Oct 19, 2022
In reply to @collegeprof "I had a small cancerous mass on my right kidney, but having no pain. Interventionl radiologist..." + (show)
@collegeprof

I had a small cancerous mass on my right kidney, but having no pain. Interventionl radiologist performed cryoblasia where kidney mass was frozen and finally disappeared as the result. X-rays annually for the next 5 years enabled me to be cancer free. This procedure took place in a hospital as outpatient.

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Thank you! I am waiting to be scheduled for cryo in the near future. They will do it outpatient unless there is a need to keep me overnight. This seemed like a good option to start with and the success rate is awesome! Glad you are doing well. Glad also to hear from someone with experience with this procedure. I did not want to wait six months to see if it grew or spread. It did not seem logical to not address it now.

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collegeprof | @collegeprof | Oct 20, 2022
In reply to @roadrunner59 "I’ve only had CT-IVP to determine a high suspicion of renal cell carcinoma and was told..." + (show)
@roadrunner59

I’ve only had CT-IVP to determine a high suspicion of renal cell carcinoma and was told I needed to get my left kidney removed. Is it common to get only one diagnostic test to determine positive for cancer?

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My very best you on making this decision assuming you and your radiologist agree. I really like proactive people.

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peachieb | @peachieb | Nov 23, 2022

My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He said he was just going to watch it for 6 months. Is this a normal procedure?

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5 replies
pamcaponio | @pamcaponio | Nov 23, 2022
In reply to @peachieb "My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He..." + (show)
@peachieb

My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He said he was just going to watch it for 6 months. Is this a normal procedure?

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Did u have a cat scan or mri?

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1 reply
pamcaponio | @pamcaponio | Nov 23, 2022
In reply to @peachieb "My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He..." + (show)
@peachieb

My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He said he was just going to watch it for 6 months. Is this a normal procedure?

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I think 6 mos is to long without anything being done. I did not have a lesion but a growth found on a Friday by my spine doctor who referred me to a urologist specialist on Monday and had removal on the following Tuesday. No chemo no radiation. How about a biopsy for you?

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1 reply
peachieb | @peachieb | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @pamcaponio "Did u have a cat scan or mri?" + (show)
@pamcaponio

Did u have a cat scan or mri?

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A cat scan

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peachieb | @peachieb | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @pamcaponio "I think 6 mos is to long without anything being done. I did not have a..." + (show)
@pamcaponio

I think 6 mos is to long without anything being done. I did not have a lesion but a growth found on a Friday by my spine doctor who referred me to a urologist specialist on Monday and had removal on the following Tuesday. No chemo no radiation. How about a biopsy for you?

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I have had three bouts of melanoma, which was caught early. Because of having stomach pain my gastroenterologist suggested a cat scan. This was when the lesion was found

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1 reply
pamcaponio | @pamcaponio | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @peachieb "I have had three bouts of melanoma, which was caught early. Because of having stomach pain..." + (show)
@peachieb

I have had three bouts of melanoma, which was caught early. Because of having stomach pain my gastroenterologist suggested a cat scan. This was when the lesion was found

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I Think you should take the CAT scan and see a urologist specialist And get his/her opinion. I’m not a doctor but It never hurts to get two opinions. Good luck. ❤️

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peachieb | @peachieb | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @peachieb "My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He..." + (show)
@peachieb

My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He said he was just going to watch it for 6 months. Is this a normal procedure?

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Thank you my thought exactly

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @peachieb "My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He..." + (show)
@peachieb

My Doctor discovered what was termed a suspicious lesion on kidney for renal cell carcinoma. He said he was just going to watch it for 6 months. Is this a normal procedure?

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@peachieb, I'd like to add my welcome along with @pamcaponio. I agree with her thoughts about the possible value of getting a second opinion.

Peach, I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- What diagnostic tests needed to determine renal cell carcinoma?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-biopsy-needed

I did this so you can and connect with additional members like @paulinlouisiana @roadrunner59 @mb4414, who were asking similar questions about diagnostic testing and read the previous helpful tips offered by @gingerw @collegeprof and others.

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