Kidney Mass and Kidney Cancer Treatment in Johor Bahru and Batu Pahat, Johor
Found a mass or cyst on your kidney scan? Consultant urologist Dato’ Dr Azhar Amir Hamzah explains what it means, and treats kidney cancer in a way that protects as much kidney function as possible.
What is a kidney mass?
A kidney mass is a lump or growth in the kidney, often found by chance on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason. Many are simple cysts, which are harmless fluid filled sacs. Some are solid growths that may be benign or may be kidney cancer. Further imaging tells them apart.
Symptoms
- Usually none; most masses are found on a scan
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the side or back that does not go away
- A lump felt in the side or abdomen
- Tiredness, weight loss or fever without a clear cause in some cases
Risk factors for kidney cancer
- Smoking
- Obesity and high blood pressure
- Long term kidney failure or dialysis
- Family history of kidney cancer
How Dato’ Dr Azhar assesses and treats a kidney mass
Dato’ Dr Azhar reviews your scan and, where needed, arranges a CT or MRI with contrast to see whether the mass is a simple cyst, a complex cyst or a solid growth. Simple cysts usually need no treatment. Small solid masses may be safely monitored with regular scans.
When treatment is needed, the aim is to remove the cancer while keeping as much healthy kidney as possible. Options include removing only the part of the kidney with the tumour (partial nephrectomy) or removing the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy), often by keyhole surgery. He explains each option, recovery and the effect on kidney function before you decide.
When to see a urologist
- A scan report mentioning a kidney mass, lesion, tumour or complex cyst
- Blood in the urine, even once
- Ongoing side pain without a clear cause
- A kidney cyst that has grown or changed on repeat scans
FAQs
Is a kidney cyst cancer?
Most kidney cysts are simple and harmless. Complex cysts need further scans to check whether they need treatment.
Can kidney cancer be cured?
Kidney cancer found early, while still within the kidney, can often be removed completely with surgery.
Can I live with one kidney?
Yes. Most people live a normal life with one healthy kidney.