Renal Mass

image

A renal mass is an abnormal growth in the kidney. It may be found while performing an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound to evaluate other problems of the abdomen. A renal mass that is cancerous (malignant) may grow or spread quickly. Others are not cancerous (benign).

Renal masses include:

  • Tumours. These may be malignant or benign.

    • The most common type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma. In children, the most common type of kidney cancer is Wilms tumour.

    • The most common benign tumours of the kidney include renal adenomas, oncocytomas, and angiomyolipoma (AML).

  • Cysts. These are fluid-filled sacs that form on or in the kidney.

What are the causes?

Certain types of cancers, infections, or injuries can cause a renal mass. It is not always known what causes a cyst to develop in or on the kidney.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Often, a renal mass does not cause any signs or symptoms; most kidney cysts do not cause symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may recommend tests to diagnose the cause of your renal mass. These tests may be done if a renal mass is found:

  • Physical examination.

  • Blood tests.

  • Urine tests.

  • Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.

  • Biopsy. This is a small sample that is removed from the renal mass and tested in a lab.

The exact tests and how often they are done will depend on:

  • The size and appearance of the renal mass.

  • Risk factors or medical conditions that increase your risk for problems.

  • Any symptoms associated with the renal mass, or concerns that you have about it.

Tests and physical examinations may be done once, or they may be done regularly for a period of time. Tests and examinations that are done regularly will help monitor whether the mass is growing and beginning to cause problems.

How is this treated?

Treatment is not always needed for this condition. Your healthcare provider may recommend careful monitoring and regular tests and examinations. Treatment will depend on the cause of the mass.

Treatment for a cancerous renal mass may include surgical removal, chemotherapy, radiation or immunotherapy.

Most kidney cysts do not need to be treated.

Follow these instructions at home:

What you need to do at home will depend on the cause of the mass. Follow the instructions that your healthcare provider gives to you. In general:

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as instructed by your healthcare provider.

  • If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

  • Follow any restrictions that are given to you by your healthcare provider.

  • Keep all follow-up appointments. This is important.

    • You may need to see your healthcare provider once or twice a year to have CT scans and ultrasounds. These tests will show if your renal mass has changed or grown.

Contact a healthcare provider if you:

  • Have pain in your side or back (flank pain).

  • Have a fever.

  • Feel full soon after eating.

  • Have pain or swelling in the abdomen.

  • Lose weight.

Get help right away if:

  • Your pain gets worse.

  • There is blood in your urine.

  • You cannot pass urine.

  • You have chest pain.

  • You have trouble breathing.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem which is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services.

Summary

  • A renal mass is an abnormal growth in the kidney. It may be cancerous (malignant) and grow or spread quickly, or it may not be cancerous (benign). Renal masses often do not have any signs or symptoms.

  • Renal masses may be found while performing an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound for other problems of the abdomen.

  • Your healthcare provider may recommend that you have tests to diagnose the cause of your renal mass. These may include a physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, imaging, or a biopsy.

  • Treatment is not always needed for this condition. Careful monitoring may be recommended.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.