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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?

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peachieb | @peachieb | Nov 24, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "@peachieb, I'd like to add my welcome along with @pamcaponio. I agree with her thoughts about..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@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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Thank you so much. I am new to this program but look forward to informing myself and finding helpful discussions

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collegeprof | @collegeprof | 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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Your previous comments were very good. My situation was slightly different. During a general procedure, my urologist found a small mass on my right kidney. He sent me to an interventional radiologist where it was determined to be cancer. The radiologist performed an outpatient procedure at a local hospital which was called cryoblation. This mild procedure has the effect of freezing the small mass with eventual dissipation. I took x-rays annually for the next 5 years, and today I remain cancer free. Should you need this done, I understand there is a high success rate. So I agree with the others in that a 6 month wait is too long for the mental stress and possible future lesion growth. For me, an interventional radiologist was the best decision at that time.

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mb4414 | @mb4414 | Nov 26, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "@peachieb, I'd like to add my welcome along with @pamcaponio. I agree with her thoughts about..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@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.

Jump to this post

I am having cryoablation for my RCC on Monday afternoon.
After reading probably too much info, I decided this was the approach I wanted to try. Luckily, I am a good candidate for this treatment.
The waiting is horrible and I couldn’t see myself waiting 6 months to find out if the tumor grew.
I will update my status when I can.

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2 replies
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Nov 26, 2022
In reply to @mb4414 "I am having cryoablation for my RCC on Monday afternoon. After reading probably too much info,..." + (show)
@mb4414

I am having cryoablation for my RCC on Monday afternoon.
After reading probably too much info, I decided this was the approach I wanted to try. Luckily, I am a good candidate for this treatment.
The waiting is horrible and I couldn’t see myself waiting 6 months to find out if the tumor grew.
I will update my status when I can.

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@mb4414 Take a deep breath, okay? Grab a cuppa tea, or warm milk, perhaps a homemade treat or two. Take out a pen and paper and get those anxious thoughts out of your mind, onto paper. Or draw them out on a pad with different colored markers. Get your dog or cat on your lap for a cuddle session. Turn on a holiday movie that will get your mind involved watching it. Tonight, get a good night sleep, and follow any pre-procedure instructions you were given.

I would love to hear from you when you can, okay?
Ginger

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pamcaponio | @pamcaponio | Nov 27, 2022
In reply to @mb4414 "I am having cryoablation for my RCC on Monday afternoon. After reading probably too much info,..." + (show)
@mb4414

I am having cryoablation for my RCC on Monday afternoon.
After reading probably too much info, I decided this was the approach I wanted to try. Luckily, I am a good candidate for this treatment.
The waiting is horrible and I couldn’t see myself waiting 6 months to find out if the tumor grew.
I will update my status when I can.

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Good Luck and yes waiting is terrible…glad you are having your procedure.

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tenniswood | @tenniswood | Dec 5, 2022

I had this done. And now it's in my bones

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2 replies
mb4414 | @mb4414 | Dec 6, 2022
In reply to @tenniswood "I had this done. And now it's in my bones" + (show)
@tenniswood

I had this done. And now it's in my bones

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So sorry to hear this.

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 11, 2022
In reply to @tenniswood "I had this done. And now it's in my bones" + (show)
@tenniswood

I had this done. And now it's in my bones

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Welcome, @tenniswood. Is this your first diagnosis with kidney cancer? Or is this kidney cancer that has returned and spread to your bones?

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