Question:

My dear friend has been on hemodyalisis for about a year after several years of decreasing kidney function. Because of blood test results, the doctor ordered a kidney ultrasound. The report states there are several cysts and a “hypoechoic mass within the mid portion of the right kidney measuring 2 x 1.8 x 1.4 cm”. What are the possible diagnosis? Does this usually indicate cancer?

Answer:

As the mass is 2 cm in size it should be biopsied as the risk for renal cell cancer is greater at that point. Such masses tend to grow at 3 mm per yr so there is no emergency and they do not tend to spread till they are 3 cm in diameter. A biopsy should be done with the next 6 months however. If the mass is negative for cancer by biopsy then scans should be done at least yearly with a repeat biopsy if the mass grows.

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic.