Concerned about lesion in remaining kidney

Callyco
Callyco Member Posts: 57
in Kidney Cancer #1

Since my CT scan last week, I am concerned about the diagnosis of my remaining kidney having a low density round mass of 6mm, preferably cyst. This was on my original CT scan 6 months ago showing it was unremarkable. Since I was diagnosed at Stage 1 grade 2, is it a high possibility this is another cancer? I did have a Pet scan in December when they found the RCC, and that diagnosis was there was no evidence of any other cancer. I won't see the urologist until August when I go for my next CT scan. I am really feeling anxious about this cyst.

Anyone have any similar situation.

Callyco

Comments

  • david_w2
    david_w2 Member Posts: 4
    #2
    Is it 6mm or 6cm?  Also, why

    Is it 6mm or 6cm?  Also, why not ask for an MRI.  Much more accurate than CT.

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    #3
    Surprised the doctor didn't request followup

    That's why I am a bit concerned. Not happy about waiting 3 more months. Radiology said 6mm.

  • CRashster
    CRashster Member Posts: 241 Member
    #4
    My scan.

    My scans always show a cyst on my remaining kidney and a spot on my lung. My doc is never concerned.

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    #5
    I'm just miffed

    If there is anything else, I would like to address sooner than August. I haven't seen my urologist since I had my surgery in January. Before surgery, this additional cyst was never mentioned in my diagnosis. So I don't know whether this doctor is just poo pooing it off until August or what. I have called his office and left a message for his nurse to contact me about this. We do have to stay one step ahead even though this is a slow cancer, doesn't matter. Cancer has to go. If this is what the makeup of this cyst is.

  • CRashster
    CRashster Member Posts: 241 Member
    #6
    Nah.

    I'm sure if it was something to be concerned with, he'd let you know. It's stressful waiting on scans.

  • stub1969
    stub1969 Member Posts: 966 Member
    #7
    cyst

    In my original US in July and CT in August, they noted a 2.4 cm simple cyst on my left kidney (cancer was on my right one).  In the CT today the PA noted the cyst is still there and has not grown.  She said these are very common and they are not at all concerned about mine.  Cally, I'm sure if the doctor thought it was something other than a simple cyst, they would show a more concern.  If this continues to eat at you, a follow-up would be in order.  If you don't trust your doctor I'd suggest a second opinion.  Good luck!

    Stub 

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    #8
    Thank you Stub

    I am hoping the doc is up front with me on this since he never did address this cyst. I look at it this way, if it was bad at the time of surgery why didn't he remove it them when I was having my right kidney removed. The kidney that was removed with the mass, also had a cyst and a stone. We will see what the response is from the nurse about this. Whether a MRI is necessary or not before Aug.

    Thanks for sharing Stub.

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    #9
    Doctor office called

    Doctor was not concerned about it being anything other than what Radiology had diagnosed. Didn't want to do a follow up until the normal 3 month routine. So, I guess I will wait, seeing how he wasn't concerned about it being anything else since the radiologist reported it.

  • Jan4you
    Jan4you Member Posts: 1,330 Member
    edited May 2017 #10
    If you don't trust your

    If you don't trust your Urologist why not see him and ask.

    I also have a cyst on renaining kidney.  Its no big deal, they are not even doing anymore scans. BUT remember, if your doc is like mine, he always does a lab at every follow up appt where it measures cancer activity, and if elevated he'd bring that to my attention. 

    Jan

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    #11
    Only lab

    He did the creatinine level before the CT scan. That's the only lab work he has done. The nurse said the doctor was not concerned with the cyst. He goes by the radiologist report. The same radiologist that did my CT scan in December is the same one that compared my current scan. So I do feel better since hearing feedback from you guys and the nurse had reassured me too. I can get my self in a panic when I am not busy working and I start thinking. 

  • Kat23502
    Kat23502 Member Posts: 179 Member
    #12
    Cysts have a pretty typical

    Cysts have a pretty typical presentation on CT so I wouldn't worry too much. However, like a few others have said, maybe consider a second opinion? You have years of scans and follow-ups and I think we all agree that trust in your team is incredibly important.

  • Callyco
    Callyco Member Posts: 57
    edited June 2017 #13
    It's a thought

    I have pretty much trusted this urologist. He is one of the best in our area. I didn't know it was common to have a cyst in the remaining kidney. I am finding out a lot. I also trust the radiologist that reads these scans. Fear grabbed me today. Thanks Kat.

     

  • smurfin57
    smurfin57 Member Posts: 29
    #14
    Is a cyst cancerous?

    Yeah I have walked around with some cysts on both Kidnays ever since I had to have partial nephrectomies on both Kidneys. I guess you have to trust the doctors on this matter. I agree with you, why don't they just take care of these stupid cysts? After all we have a HX of cancer for God's sake! Biggest concern it seems that if the cysts are growing. I guess a fine needle biopsy could ease your concerns, but good luck convincing the doctor!

  • Deanie0916
    Deanie0916 Member Posts: 616 Member
    edited October 2017 #15
    Callyco

    Just wanted to add to this thread. I had my left kidney removed a year ago. I have had an ultrasound and CT in the last year and there is a small cyst on my right kidney which alarmed me. The radiologist and doc say it is nothing to worry about not cancer. And as a wise Fox told me they know right where it is and are keeping an eye on it, so try not to worry.  I know that is easier to say than do. God bless you. I also am glad to hear this is a common thing, also that Crashter has a spot on the lung, I also have a spot on my lung it has decreased in size. Hang in there Callyco!

  • Allochka
    Allochka Member Posts: 1,062 Member
    #16
    My husband (who had RCC and

    My husband (who had RCC and and a partial neph) has some cysts in his liver. Nobody was ever concerned. They are common in kidneys and liver. I also heard that simple cysts have very typical appearance and docs know what they are looking at.

  • AnnissaP
    AnnissaP Member Posts: 632 Member
    edited October 2017 #17
    I have 3 cysts on the kidney

    I have 3 cysts on the kidney that has the tumor (one being 6cm!!!) and one on my other kidney as well. Out of the 3 drs I saw only one mentioned the other cysts. Apparently 1 in 3 ppl have them. I understand the worrying, but if you have ever seen images from your scans cysts are very clear and easy to recognize!!!!

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