[Guest]

Can someone please talk to me. My husband started feeling sudden pain in his lower left back last night ay 9 pm. By 6 am this morning he couldn't stand it anymore so he went to the emergency room. We thought he was trying to pass a stone. The xrays should a small mass on his left renal kidney area with microscopic traces of blood in his urine. The diagnosis was possible cancer and we are to see our doctor on Monday. COuld this be - such quick onset of complications? He has had no problem urinating.

[Guest]

A blood clot that blocked the urinary passage can create pain tha mimics the pain from a stone. Also something called a "sloughed papilla" which I gather is a small piece of the kidney tissue that breaks loose for some reason.

Renal cancer would not normally be expected to cause any urinating problems.

A small solid mass in the kidney is most likely to be a cancer. Even if it's not, chances are the physician will suggest the kidney be removed either totally or partially. A biopsy with a needle might be of some help in discovering what the mass might be. Ask your physician about these options and don't be afraid to get second or even third opinions.


[quote] Can someone please talk to me. My husband started feeling sudden pain in his lower left back last night ay 9 pm... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you very uch for your reply. This has just been the weirdest thing. All of sudden severe pain in his left flank area. I thought he might have a kidney infection. I called the ER doctor wanting to know why he said "possible cancer" considering you can't really know that unless a biopsy is performed. He said that they say that so the patient will be sure to follow up with his/her physician - can you believe that?!?!? THe internist said she wanted to confirm the findings because sometimes that "machine" acts weird. We haven't seen our doctor yet - this all started in the ER early yesterday morning.
[quote] A blood clot that blocked the urinary passage can create pain tha mimics the pain from a stone. Also something called a "sloughed papilla" which I gather is a small piece of the kidney tissue that breaks loose for some reason... [/quote]

[Guest]

It is very typical for renal cancer to be discovered suddenly and accidentally, because the cancer itself is quite asymptomatic. My own was detected only because of a severe bladder infection and a sudden inability to pass my water - both unrelated to the malignancy. If your husband does, indeed, have RCC, be thankful it was detected.

Your ER doctors' explanations for speculating that your husband's mass is cancer are stupid. The truth is, they can usually tell by the ultrasound or CT, due to the solidity, shape and borders of the mass. Whatever their reason for scaring you, it is best to err on the side of caution and get more testing done.

Kidney cancer is NOT a death sentence. If the tumor is encapsulated, your husband can be restored to perfect health after it and/or his diseased kidney are removed. I am living proof of that. So stay positive. Wishing you the very best.
[quote] Can someone please talk to me. My husband started feeling sudden pain in his lower left back last night ay 9 pm... [/quote]

[Guest]

For the purpose of stimulating this discussion, I'm going to take the side of the ER doctor. Suppose he just told you that there was a lump on the kidney that needed to be checked out and you decided that didn't sound too serious so you didn't bother. Later, it turns out that it was a cancer and that it had spread to the point where it was no longer curable. Your lawyers would have a field day with the poor ER doctor who, while trying to avoid scaring you, didn't tell you that THIS COULD BE A CANCER and by withholding this info to spar your feelings you thought it wasn't anything too important.

Renal masses are always potentially serious. I'd rather get scared silly than risk not checking out a potentially dangerous renal mass.

As far as being able to tell if a mass is cancer or not just from the CT and ultrasound, my experts tell me that's just not possible so you either do a biopsy or just take it out.
[quote] It is very typical for renal cancer to be discovered suddenly and accidentally, because the cancer itself is quite asymptomatic. My own was detected only because of a severe bladder infection and a sudden inability to pass my water - both unrelated to the malignancy... [/quote]