Kidney cancer
Kidney masses and kidney cancer, evaluated at this office.
A mass on a kidney scan can be found while looking for something else, or after pain or blood in the urine. Our urologists at the Alpharetta / Roswell office will review the actual images with you and talk through whether watching, a biopsy, or surgery is the next step.
What symptoms can a kidney mass cause?
Many kidney masses are found on imaging done for another reason and have not caused symptoms. When they do, people may notice blood in the urine, side or back discomfort, or a fullness on one side. Those symptoms have many other causes as well, which is why the scan, not the symptom list alone, shapes the visit. Sudden severe side pain with vomiting, or heavy bleeding, belongs in an emergency room.
When should I see a urologist about a kidney mass?
If a CT, MRI or ultrasound mentions a mass, a lesion, a complex cyst, or a tumor, bring the report and, if you can, the images themselves. A visit at this office is a reasonable next step whether the wording sounds cautious or alarming. Adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park are seen here.
How do our urologists evaluate a kidney mass?
They start with the study you already have, your history and lab work, and they may recommend another type of scan if the first one is not enough to characterize the mass. Not every mass is a cancer, and not every cancer is treated the same way. When it would change the plan, a biopsy is discussed rather than assumed. Lab work can be done in this building.
What treatments does Advanced Urology offer?
For masses that need surgery, the conversation is often between a partial nephrectomy, which removes the mass and keeps the rest of the kidney, and a radical nephrectomy, which removes the kidney. Robotic surgery may be part of that discussion; Dr. Rut Patel, Advanced Urology’s Director of Robotic Surgery, sees patients at this office. Watching a small mass with repeat imaging is sometimes the plan when it is appropriate. Our urologists will explain why one path is being considered in your case, including risks, before anything is scheduled.
What is recovery like after kidney surgery?
Recovery after a partial or radical nephrectomy depends on the approach and on your other health. You will get written instructions about activity, pain control, and when to call. Blood in the urine, fever, or sudden swelling after surgery is a reason to get in touch promptly or go to an emergency room if it feels urgent. Follow-up imaging is part of the plan and is scheduled with you.
What should I bring to a visit about a kidney mass?
The imaging report, the images if you can obtain them, a medicine list, and any lab work on kidney function. What to bring also covers insurance and second opinions.
How is this different from kidney stones?
Stones and masses can both show up on a CT, and both can cause blood in the urine or side pain, but the evaluation and treatment are not the same. If your study names a stone, start with kidney stone care.
Related: Kidney stones · Blood in the urine · Dr. Rut Patel · Our office · Kidney cancer at Advanced Urology
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For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.