Microscopic blood in urine during routine physical led to ultrasound then to a CT with and without contrast because a filing defect was found. Urologist reading the CT said 90% chance I have Transitional Cell Carcinoma in my left renal pelvis (1.5 cm mass). They went in via the exterior plumbing to have a look and do a brush biopsy but found nothing. Now they are scratching their heads and we are all assuming the mass must be on the exterior side of the renal pelvis outside the kidney. I don't know what to think. What are the possiblities? I'm freaking out that it is something that has spread from elsewhere. On the CT there was no other indications of anything wrong (other abdominal organs or lymph glands). After the scope they had to leave a stent in my ureter which has not been fun and I'll have to go have it removed soon. Meanwhile the doctor doesn't seem to know what to do next but a needle biopsy has been mentioned. I find it hard to believe that a 3D super duper CT with contrast didn't pinpoint this mass with better accuracy. Some doctors would have removed the kidney just because of the CT results. I'm in cancer limbo and a lot less impressed with the state of present technology.
CT scans are pretty good but IMO, an MRI with and without contrast will show up better what is going on.
I would be very conservative about letting them do a needle biopsy, because there is a small but real chance that cancer cells, if present, could "seed" the needle track and spread.
Are you currently under the care of a kidney specialist, like a nephrologist; or seeing an oncologist? If not, my advice would be to search out a good one in your area for a consult soon, because they are used to reading the CTs and MRIs and might be able to tell you better what showed up, or at least be able to develop a plan for you as to what to do next.
CT scans are pretty good but IMO, an MRI with and without contrast will show up better what is going on.
I would be very conservative about letting them do a needle biopsy, because there is a small but real chance that cancer cells, if present, could "seed" the needle track and spread.
Are you currently under the care of a kidney specialist, like a nephrologist; or seeing an oncologist? If not, my advice would be to search out a good one in your area for a consult soon, because they are used to reading the CTs and MRIs and might be able to tell you better what showed up, or at least be able to develop a plan for you as to what to do next.
Thanks. I'm being seen at the premiere cancer center in the area (Moffitt). My doctor is a urologist but I think they have a muti-discipline approach in every case. I will ask and I also have concerns about the needle. I'm worried that watchful waiting will be suggested and I want answers. Too much waiting already. The initial urine test was now months ago. The CT was about two months ago at this point. I'm even thinking losing the kidney even if there is a close to even chance it is a malignancy is the way to go. But with the lesion outside the organ rather than contained within probably doesn't make it that clear cut although from what I've read there seems to be a lot more begnine possibilities than with a tumor inside the organ.
It's possible that what you have is a complex cyst, especially since it's on the outside. Sometimes they are difficult to tell from a solid tumor mass on a CT scan.
My husband's urologist says that an MRI will show much more clearly what is going on, than a CT scan. So perhaps you can urge your Dr. to give you an MRI, soon?
Just my opinion, but I would not let them tell you "watchful waiting". That works for prostate cancer sometimes, but not for (potential) kidney cancer.
