paulcindy88

I have had a dull ache in my lower left back for about three-four years now. I never really gave it any thought. I had one UTI about 2 years ago, blood in the urine. Took some meds and it went away. But still continued to have a dull ache in my lower left back off and on.
Yesterday, I felt as if my bladder felt full, so I assumed it was another UTI. In a half hour I went from that to full blown pain in my stomach and back. My husband took me to the ER and after vomiting several times, and going to urinate several times I felt better. They did a CAT scan as well of my abdomen. The Dr told me that the CAT scan showed "tracks" in my urethra and that I had a Kidney stone that had passed. He also stated that my white blood cell count was elevated, and that they wanted to do another blood test before I went home to make sure that my counts had come down. He did not mention anything to me about a mass on my left kidney. He said everything looked fine.
Today I got a call from the ER Nurse, and said that the Radiologist read my scan and that they found a "mass" on my left kidney. She said she did not want to alarm me, but that I should call my Primary Doctor for a follow up.
When I asked her about the size of the "mass", she said they did not write it down. But she said she would ask the doctor about the size. When she came back on the phone, she said the doctor said it was "relatively small" and that he did not even raise an eyebrow at it. He claims he would call me to discuss it but so far he has not. I called my PCP and have an appt tomorrow at 3:30.

Since I already had a CAT scan done, am I to assume that they can tell from the scan that it is either a Tumor or a Cyst?? Because Cyst was not mentioned at all. To me "Mass" means "Tumor" which means Cancer. Can they tell by a CAt scan if it is either a tumor or a cyst?

I do not have the bad pains today like I did yesterday, but I still feel like I have a full bladder, and I still have the dull ache in my back. But I have had this dull ache for 3-4 years now.

Everything I have read points me back to Cancer. I had blood in my urine(but may have been caused by the stone I don't know), lower back pain, plus now the Cat Scan showing this "mass"..........

I do not think the survival rate is good, and I dont think this is a Cyst. I do not know what to expect from my PCP visit tomorrow. I would assume she is going to send me for a biopsy to tell me whether or not this is malignant or benign. I have to assume the worst because from what I have read, Cysts are Asymptomatic, and mine are symptomatic. And Benign tumors of the Kidney are rare and are usually the early stages of Kidney Cancer. I am also 38 years old and have a 20 year smoker which I understand is the highest risk for this type of Cancer. I cannot leave my husband and children. I am just very scared, more scared than I have ever been in my whole life.
Thank you