I'm scared

hmpetty
hmpetty Member Posts: 2
in Kidney Cancer #1

I recently had an MRI that showed a 15mm partially exophytic enhancing lesion on my right kidney that is suspicious for neoplasm. This lesion is not new but as always been classified as a simple cyst and was only 7-8mm. Since October it has gone from 8mm to 10mm and since May has gone from 10 to 15 mm. I have increasing right flank pain and hematuria. First urologist said only biopsy and I don't feel comfortable with that. I am getting second opinion next Friday. Should I be concerned...what questions should I ask?

Comments

  • GSRon
    GSRon Member Posts: 1,303 Member
    #2
    Sorry you are here..  and I

    Sorry you are here..  and I am no expert but..  Kidney cysts are common and usually no big deal.  But your's is growing, and growing a bit fast.  If it were me, I would skip the biopsy, as to me it makes no sense.  A cyst that is growing and causing issues, likely needs to be removed.  Once removed they can slice and dice all they want.  You may wish to seek out a proper Kidney surgeon that has Kidney Cancer experience, just in case, or at least an Urology/Oncology experienced doctor.  The good news, is that it is very small, and even if it is Cancer, the surgery should be the end of it. I know this does not help your fears.. nothing will at this point.  But I can tell you that your fears are far worse than the reality, and once the mystery is over you will likely agree.

    There have been people here that have had larger tumors that turned out not to be Cancer.

    It is also helpful to tell us where you are.. someone may just have a referral for you..  and keep us posted..

    Good Luck..

    Ron

  • hmpetty
    hmpetty Member Posts: 2
    #3
    GSRon said:

    Sorry you are here..  and I

    Sorry you are here..  and I am no expert but..  Kidney cysts are common and usually no big deal.  But your's is growing, and growing a bit fast.  If it were me, I would skip the biopsy, as to me it makes no sense.  A cyst that is growing and causing issues, likely needs to be removed.  Once removed they can slice and dice all they want.  You may wish to seek out a proper Kidney surgeon that has Kidney Cancer experience, just in case, or at least an Urology/Oncology experienced doctor.  The good news, is that it is very small, and even if it is Cancer, the surgery should be the end of it. I know this does not help your fears.. nothing will at this point.  But I can tell you that your fears are far worse than the reality, and once the mystery is over you will likely agree.

    There have been people here that have had larger tumors that turned out not to be Cancer.

    It is also helpful to tell us where you are.. someone may just have a referral for you..  and keep us posted..

    Good Luck..

    Ron

    I have decided to skip the

    I have decided to skip the biopsy for now and I am getting a second opinion next Friday. Thank you for your input.

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #4
    Scared

    hmpetty,

     

    Scared, who would'nt be? Faced with a possible diagnosis of Kidney Cancer and possable surgery is enough to scare anybody. It sure did scare me 12 years ago.

     

    I suspect the second opinion could result in a CT scan which is much more definitive in diagnosis.

     

    Because it is so small they may want to watch and wait or they may after the CT scan want to remove the tumor.

    The good news is that if it is Kidney Cancer the chance for recovery with surgry alone with such a small little rascal is as close to 100% as you can get.

     

     

    Been there, done that.

     

     

    Icemantoo

  • APny
    APny Member Posts: 1,995 Member
    #5
    icemantoo said:

    Scared

    hmpetty,

     

    Scared, who would'nt be? Faced with a possible diagnosis of Kidney Cancer and possable surgery is enough to scare anybody. It sure did scare me 12 years ago.

     

    I suspect the second opinion could result in a CT scan which is much more definitive in diagnosis.

     

    Because it is so small they may want to watch and wait or they may after the CT scan want to remove the tumor.

    The good news is that if it is Kidney Cancer the chance for recovery with surgry alone with such a small little rascal is as close to 100% as you can get.

     

     

    Been there, done that.

     

     

    Icemantoo

    Good that you're getting a

    Good that you're getting a second opinion. As suggested, try to find someone who specializes in kidney cancer. Since you are having hematura, even if it's benign it is causing you issues already so getting it taken out would probably be the best. While not fun, the surgery is really not as bad as I thought it would be. And Iceman is right; even if it turns out to be cancer they're catching it very early which is a good thing. Best of luck to you.

  • Jojo61
    Jojo61 Member Posts: 1,309 Member
    #6
    APny said:

    Good that you're getting a

    Good that you're getting a second opinion. As suggested, try to find someone who specializes in kidney cancer. Since you are having hematura, even if it's benign it is causing you issues already so getting it taken out would probably be the best. While not fun, the surgery is really not as bad as I thought it would be. And Iceman is right; even if it turns out to be cancer they're catching it very early which is a good thing. Best of luck to you.

    Thinking about you. I think

    Thinking about you. I think it is a great idea to get a second opinion. Keep us posted!

    Hugs

    Jojo

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