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Urinary Tract Cancers

Spot on kidney

05/20/2008

Question:

Doctors found a small spot on one of my kidneys and blood in my urine. My red blood cell count is elevated. Cancer is very strong in both sides of my family, (dad died of cancer). Should I be worried? Am I at a greater risk of having cancer then someone who does not have cancer in the family? I have pain on my right side by the rib cage when applying pressure.

Answer:

The blood in the urine and the spot on the kidney may or may not be related to each other. Your risk of cancer is somewhat higher knowing your relatives have had cancer. It would be a good idea to see an urologist or a GU (genito-urinary) oncologist soon.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University Thomas Olencki, DO
Clinical Professor
Department of Internal Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
Thomas  Olencki, DO