Identifying a kidney mass can be scary. The first step is to make sure that the kidney mass is not cancerous. Then, you should consult with your doctor to discuss the diagnosis and treatment options.
The main types of kidney masses are cystic and solid. Cystic masses are formed from fluid, pus, air or other tissues. They are typically smaller than 2.5 cm. Solid kidney masses are usually benign and may contain blood vessels, tissue or muscle. These masses are usually benign and may be detected incidentally, or they may require further investigation.
If a mass on the kidney is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy is performed. This test can help diagnose the type of cancer and determine whether or not the mass should be removed. Symptoms that may indicate a kidney tumor include blood in the urine, flank pain, bone pain, and a bad headache.
The TNM system is a cancer staging system that uses a number of factors to determine whether or not a tumor is malignant. It is based on the extent of the cancer and the proximity of the lymph nodes. The cancer can be treated with surgery or radiation, depending on the type and location of the tumor. However, chemotherapy is not an effective treatment for renal cell carcinoma.
In addition to cancer, kidney masses may also be benign. These masses can be detected through an ultrasound study or a CT scan. Most small kidney tumors are benign. However, some are malignant.
If a kidney mass is benign, it is typically not removed. Some experts recommend that you check the mass once every 3-6 months for the first year after the discovery of the mass. In some cases, your doctor may adjust the interval between checkups. This can be a safe alternative to surgery. However, the decision to proceed with treatment is usually based on statistical likelihood. Generally, your doctor will use your symptoms to decide whether or not a kidney mass needs to be removed.
In cases where a kidney mass is suspected to be malignant, the mass can be removed. Treatment depends on the type of tumor and may also include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. These treatments may provide some benefit in some cases. However, they have limitations, and surgery is still required.
If a kidney mass is suspected to be cancerous, the patient may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments are usually effective in treating kidney lymphoma. However, they can also enlarge other organs, including the liver, lungs, and bones. This is why early diagnosis of kidney cancer is so important. It can also improve the patient’s chance of survival.
A kidney mass may be detected by an ultrasound study, or it may pick up blood during a CT scan. These scans can also be used to determine the extent of the tumor. However, they are not reliable methods of determining the nature of the kidney mass. It is important that the scan be performed by an experienced radiologist.