Renal (kidney) cancer/mass

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, located behind the gastrointestinal tract and in front of the muscles of the back, that excrete waste in the form of urine. The urine drains through the ureters into the bladder.

The kidneys control the body's fluid balance, regulate electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium), eliminate the body's wastes, regulate blood pressure, and stimulate red blood cell production.

Kidney masses are normally identified through an imaging study - CT scan, MRI, X-ray. Blood tests may also be utilized to determine whether a mass is benign or malignant. Exams may also include a pelvic exam, abdomen/pelvis ultrasound, cystoscopy, and cytology on bladder washings or urine.

Cystoscopy

Fluid-filled cysts are normally benign; whereas, solid tumors are normally malignant.

Kidney cancers account for two percent of all cancers. It occurs most often in those 50 to 70 years of age, and it occurs more often in men than in women.

Staging Renal Cancer

Symptoms:

• Abdominal mass
• Blood in urine/hematuria
• Pain between the ribs and the hip