[Guest]

Three yrs. ago I went to a GP because I was having some pain in my back (flank). He performed blood tests (which were o.k.) and sent me for a CT scan. The scan showed I had a 2 cn. mass on my right kidney and he said they were not sure what it was but it didn't look like a cyst. He referred me to a urologist who said he thought that I had a angiomyolipoma and sent me for a ultrasound. The US tech. said I had a cyst.
When I returned to the uro. he said they say it's a cyst but I still think it's a complicated cyst and told me he wanted me to have another CT scan (which I had with the barium and dye). After going back to him, he said it was a cyst and that I was done. I mentioned the pain and he said that it was too small to cause pain.
I was still having occasional back pain over the three years but for the last few weeks I am having alot of gas and some discomfort below my right rib and also occasional colicky pain in my flank.
I am wondering what the chances are of my having been misdiagnosed and maybe it is something more serious?

[Guest]

Both back/flank pain and kidney cysts are common issues, but not often related, in my experience (i.e. most folks with cysts have no pain and most folks with back pain have no cysts).
I think the likelihood of a misdiagnosis is very small under these circumstances (but remotely possible) and suggest your doctor look for another cause (right sided colicky pain and gas suggests a possible gall bladder cause to me), or consider getting another opinion from a urologist at a major medical school/center.

[quote] Three yrs. ago I went to a GP because I was having some pain in my back (flank)... [/quote]

[Guest]

Thank you so much for your response. I just have a few more questions: 1. If a 2 cm. mass were malignant would occasional flank pain be a possible symptom for it?
2. Do simple cysts ever grow? 3. Do urologists ever recommend follow-up ultrasounds for simple cysts?

[quote]
Both back/flank pain and kidney cysts are common issues, but not often related, in my experience (i. e... [/quote]

[Guest]

1.If a 2 cm. mass were malignant would occasional flank pain be a possible symptom for it?

Many things are possible, but that scenario is very unlikely, in my opinion.

2. Do simple cysts ever grow?

Sometimes, usually very slowly.

3. Do urologists ever recommend follow-up ultrasounds for simple cysts?

If there is any doubt, we would consider a follow-up ultrasound, but a small clear-cut cyst does not require routine follow-up.

[quote] Thank you so much for your response. I just have a few more questions: 1... [/quote]