large complex cyst

ibrandy
ibrandy Member Posts: 2
in Kidney Cancer #1

doctors found a large complex is on my left kidney. They just called and canceled my appointment on friday and said that they would reschedule with the surgeon because decisions need to be made. Now I'm getting worried. The MRI showed it was large enough that it was cutting my kidney in two. Guess I should be concerned?

Comments

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #2
    What is large?

    ibrandy,

     

    There is no way to sugar coat the fact that you have been diagnosed with a complex cyst on your Kidney and from the rescheduling of your appointment with a surgeon the fact that they want to take it out. Briefly looking at the literature a complex cyst has a 14 to 90% chance of being Kidney Cancer based upon the type of complexity and size. The problem with complex cysts is that they grow in size and complexity over time and whatever the % is it gets more certain that it is Kidney Cancer as time passes, The standard treatment is to remove your Kidney or patial kidney (nepherectomy or partial nepherectomy). Not removing the Kidney can result in the spraed of Cancer from your kidney and all sorts  of bad things.  We have all been there and done that. Not fun, but the earlier it is removed the better. Mine was 12 and 1/2 years ago.

    A bad way to hear about the diagnosis. The doctor could have had you in for the appointment and told you that this was above his paygrade and schedlued it with the surgeon then. On the other hand he called his colleges for advice and saved you an unneccessary doctor visit. Neither way is satisfactory.

    The one thing you have not shared is how large the complex cyst is. With that answer we can give further thoughts on your road ahead.

     

    Icemantoo

  • Positive_Mental_Attitude
    Positive_Mental_Attitude Member Posts: 454
    #3
    Sure you should be

    Sure you should be concerned.  Doctors?  General practice doctors?  Surgeon?  Have you seen a urologist?  Was a CT scan ordered?  Maybe I am unfamiliar with how cysts are diagnosed, but I know that for tumors, the preferred methods are CT scan and ultrasound.  I never had a MRI when I was diagnosed with a kidney tumor.  I would definitely seek the advice of a urologist experienced with renal masses.

    Oh, and regarding my first sentence--this is certainly something that should not be taken lightly.  But discovering a mass is half the battle.  The other half of the battle is dealing with the mass.  For tumors, they are usually removed surgically.  But your post title said "cyst."  Unless you are having symptoms or complications, you have time to let the doctors determine the best course of action. 

  • Footstomper
    Footstomper Member Posts: 1,237 Member
    #4
    Insist

    On a referral. I was going to say it could be nothing but it clealy isnt. In what way would a delay help you? Youre probably worried and what you need is to be talked to straight by a specialist as soon as possible.

  • ibrandy
    ibrandy Member Posts: 2
    #5
    size

    The cyst was found during a physical at the VA..followed by cat scan then mri with and without contrast...they showed me one of the pics...the cyst or tumor is bigger than the kidney itself and looks like it is shoving it back. My appt. this week was for the mri results. 

  • icemantoo
    icemantoo Member Posts: 3,361 Member
    #6
    ibrandy said:

    size

    The cyst was found during a physical at the VA..followed by cat scan then mri with and without contrast...they showed me one of the pics...the cyst or tumor is bigger than the kidney itself and looks like it is shoving it back. My appt. this week was for the mri results. 

    Lucky physical

    ibrandy,

    The cyst being larger than the kidney translates to 10 cm or larger. There are no ifs ands or buts about the fact that you need your Kidney removed as soon as possible. If you have the ability to do so get a second opinion at a large hospital or medical school so that you have a choice of surgeons. Nepherectomy's are generally performed by specially trained Urologic Surgeons, but can be performed by General Surgeons as well. For yourself get a copy of all of your medical reports and scans.

     

    Although you would rather not be here, welcome to the club which nobody in their right mine would volunteer to join. Rememember we have all had that not so fun diagnosis and the surgery as well.

     

     

    Keep us posted.

     

     

    Icemantoo

     

     

     

  • foroughsh
    foroughsh Member Posts: 779 Member
    #7
    Hi,as far as I know masses in

    Hi,as far as I know masses in kidney are usually maligent unfortunately especially if they are very big. Mine was 10cm but confined to kidney so I had nephrectomy to remove the whole kidney six months ago.the best option is ct with contrast but if there is some limitation such as alergy to contrast they use MRI. If it's localized the surgery is the only treatment the patient gets, if there are long distance Mets then there are some more treatments. By the way, if there is a maligent kidney tumor  then the whole or some parts of kidney should be removed which means a surgery is needed, it's not a fun game but definetly not that bad that many ones think before doing it. Let's wish your is benign  but even if it's not we're here. We are the ones who fully understand based on experience and ready to help

Discussion Boards