Last week, we wrote about lycopene-rich foods lowering a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer, for women especially. This week, we’re going to dial it back a bit and discuss the beginning stages of kidney cancer and what may or may not be considered a sign or symptom of this cancer.
Although most renal masses are benign, some may be deemed “malignant” (cancerous) and require special treatment. We’ll discuss this kind of mass a little later.
At Affiliated Urologists, we perform extensive tests and utilize top-of-the-line medical equipment to address and treat our patient’s specific urological condition(s). If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with kidney cancer, or any other urological health problem, please seek the help and guidance of a specialist at Affiliated Urologists.
Kidney cancer symptoms were mentioned in our last blog, but for the sake of this week’s topic, we’re going to share some of the telltale signs below:
- Blood in urine
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Back pain
- Fever
Another sign may be a mass or lump on or around the kidney, which brings us to today’s topic: what is a renal mass? A renal mass is usually a non-cancerous cyst (fluid-filled sac) on the kidney that is diagnosed after an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan has been performed. We mentioned previously that most renal masses are benign (non-cancerous) and do not require treatment, but if the mass is either completely solid or slightly solid (it has some fluid and solid particles inside) it may require additional testing and treatment.
If your renal mass is benign, your urologist can perform a minimally invasive procedure like a robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and/or CT-guided cryoablation, also known as a freezing of the mass to remove the mass. Both procedures preserve the kidney while removing the small tumor safely and effectively. Partial nephrectomy has also become a standard for some patients will renal cell carcinoma, especially if the tumor is relatively small.
For patients with a cancerous renal mass, surgery to remove part or all of the mass, possibly the kidney too, is typically standard. Your urologist may also recommend other treatment methods like radiation, chemotherapy, ablation and/or immunotherapy. Call us today to set-up an appointment and/or address any of your urological questions or concerns.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
