Kidney Cancer

[HappyGuy]

I have a 1.5 cm renal lesion. It is a solid mass and does enhance on CT. I am a 42 year old man with a young family. The lesion was found during an MRI on another issue as I have no symptoms of kidney cancer To date, I have met with two rated cancer clinics for options. Both recommend laparoscopic partial Nephrectomy. My dilemma is one clinic wants to perform a biopsy first as its 30% chance not cancer. The other says it doesn’t matter, it has to come out and that I would be delaying the inevitable. They say there is a 4% change of false biopsy negative. If my lesion is solid and enhances during CT, it seems to me it should be removed at my young age and not risk a metastases. Research shows most small incidental tumors are associated with a slow natural growth rate and low metastatic risk. However, metastases represent the most significant risk of surveillance in patients with RCC because the treatment options for metastatic RCC have limited success. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2422933 Also, I found a debate on watching or taking action. “Should A Small Renal Lesion Be Monitored Or Ablated?" http://www.urotoday.com/browse_categories/renal_cancer/aua_2006__pointcounterpoint_debate_on_should_a_small_renal_lesion_be_monitored_or_ablated.html

I am think I should have it removed so I don’t have to keep look over my shoulder. What are your thoughts?

[HappyGuy]

I have scheduled the surgery for July 31.

[gborin]

Good luck with the surgery. Been there. Done that. On August 1, 2008 I can change my post from 5 years and counting to 6 years and counting. Once this is over hopefully you will not have any further problems associated with Kidney Cancer, other than a CAT scan every year. Your best years are ahead of you.

[Em59]

Hi. I am in the same boat, trying to figure out what to do. I have a small mass (1.4) in right kidney pole. I see that no one responded directly to the question, which I think is pretty important. One part of me wonders why we should be ok with letting any mass sit in our organs, just waiting..clinicians differ so its weird. Can you let me know what you ultimately decided to do? I am 48 f with two kids which I am raising alone, no family. I am really wrecked over what I should do. Thanks and God Bless.

[gborin]

One thing I can not tell you is whether you have kidney cancer or not, That is up to the urologist/surgeon or radiologist. If it is then surgery will most likely be offered to remove it. If it has not spread than Surgery most likely will result in a full recovery. Good luck. The surgery is not fun, but it beats the alternative.

[HappyGuy]

gborin,

Thank you for your input and encouragement. I look forward to having this behind me.