1. < Kidney Cancer

Years after kidney cancer surgery question

Posted by bomed @bomed, Oct 26, 2022

I had kidney cancer which had spread into my pelvic area and toward my heart. I had one kidney and the cancer removed at Mayo.
I have a question now after the surgery. It has now been about 4 1/2 years since my surgery. After a sneezing fit, I now have a baseball size bulge in the navel area at the top part of my 12 inch vertical scar. Would that be a hernea or should I be concerned that it is something worse?

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Oct 26, 2022

@bomed Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Congratulations on your 4.5 year surgery. Yes, you are an example we can indeed get along with just one kidney!

I think you will want to get in to see your primary doctor to get their expert opinion. It might be a hernia, especially with a sneezing fit. It's amazing how much force we exert when we get into that situation!

Will you let me know what you find out, please?
Ginger

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1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Oct 26, 2022

@bomed, I agree with @gingerw that you should see your doctor.

Here's an article that you might find helpful too:
- How to Tell If You Have a Hernia https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-hernia

Excerpt:
"Anyone can develop a ventral hernia, but those who’ve had abdominal surgery have a higher risk."

Do you feel pain, aching or pressure in the area of the bulge?

REPLY
1 reply
bomed | @bomed | Oct 26, 2022
In reply to @gingerw "@bomed Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Congratulations on your 4.5 year surgery. Yes, you are an..." + (show)
@gingerw

@bomed Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

Congratulations on your 4.5 year surgery. Yes, you are an example we can indeed get along with just one kidney!

I think you will want to get in to see your primary doctor to get their expert opinion. It might be a hernia, especially with a sneezing fit. It's amazing how much force we exert when we get into that situation!

Will you let me know what you find out, please?
Ginger

Jump to this post

Sure will. Thanks for the reply

REPLY
bomed | @bomed | Oct 26, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "@bomed, I agree with @gingerw that you should see your doctor. Here's an article that you..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@bomed, I agree with @gingerw that you should see your doctor.

Here's an article that you might find helpful too:
- How to Tell If You Have a Hernia https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-hernia

Excerpt:
"Anyone can develop a ventral hernia, but those who’ve had abdominal surgery have a higher risk."

Do you feel pain, aching or pressure in the area of the bulge?

Jump to this post

Thankyou, that article was very informative. I think I'm in the 30% who has no pain. I'm 80 years old so I'm not sure I would go for surgery unless it gets painful.

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