Small indeterminate kidney lesion - Very Nervous

It is very small. On the outer surface of kidney? Urinary function normal? Very small masses are typically studied (scans, tests of function) and monitored. The MRI will likely give a more detailed view of some aspects over the CT scan. I had/have a small mass (1.3 cm) that returned after the original 1.8 cm mass discovered incidentally a few years ago was biopsied and ablated. Biopsy said neoplasm of indeterminant malignant potential so for the past 4 years I have had Active Survielence, ie scans. About 15 months ago changes were evident and we are back at square one. Frustrating and scary but the small size is a good thing.

tullynut, thank you for your response. I am grateful that you responded and appreciate your words. It’s located in the interpolar area, and urinary function is normal. My PCP does not believe that is what’s causing my right sided discomfort seeing that the size is small and likely would not cause any symptoms. He ordered an ultrasound for now to get a better picture of it and likely will later order an MRI if warranted. I hope all is well with you.

On 10/25 I had 3 cm renal cell carsonoma removed from left kidney successfully with clear margins. I had post op visit yesterday and both kidneys are functioning normally and no further treatment required. I will have another scan in 3 months.
Don

Hello Don, thanks for your response. Sorry you are going through this. Glad to hear both kidneys are functioning normally.

@am1974 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. we will be interested to hear how the new testing goes and what is determined. A couple of years ago I had suspicious areas in my right kidney that were monitored. Subsequently, it was decided nothing to worry about, although for a while there it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat! At that time we were figuring a nephrectomy once I went onto dialysis for another health issue. So, right now I [still] have both kidneys.

Today's imaging machines and devices sure can make a difference in how we can be treated for cysts and lesions, right?!
Ginger

Hello Ginger, I really appreciate you responding. Thank you for sharing your experience and hope it continues to go well for you. Glad that you still have both kidneys. I will be sure to update my experience after all testing is done. Thanks again as I sure could use this type of encouragement.

@am1974 Some years ago, I had a small mass on my right kidney. Actually, my urologist found it and he sent me to an interventional radiologist. The mass was cancer, and I went to my local hospital as an out patient. He performed cryoablation where he froze the mass which would later disapate. Absolutely no pain during procedure, with MRIs annually for 5 years. Interventional radiologists have several options, but this procedure best suited me.

collegeprof, thank you for sharing. I’m glad to hear you are doing well in light of your experience. Here’s to your continued good health.

I understand the nerves! It's always scary to face the unknown. Fortunately it is small, appears to be just a lesion and not a mass . And your doctors seem to be all over it! Hopefully it will be a simple wait and watch , just to monitor it to be careful. Prayers !

lbrockme, thank you for your response. I very much appreciate it. Hope you are well.