Is A 15 Mm Cyst Found In Kidney A Symptom Of Tumour?

Posted on Thu, 12 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : During a ct for an unrelated issue, a 12 mm possible cyst was found on my right kidney, the radiologists wasnt sure if it was a cyst, but felt like it was. on my 6 month follow up ct, the radiologist cannot rule out a cyst or cancer. the size was shown as 15 mm. i had a ct with contrast and drank the liquid, the dr said the spot lit up a little on the ct. does that mean its a tumor? thanks

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may be a tumor

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

If the lesion is purely cystic (fluid-filled), then it is not tumor. But if it has solid part, then it could be.

If in contrast CT, it is enhancing (lit up), it is suspicious of tumor, as the radiologist has said. But, we need to check the report first before commenting anything.

If you could send the copy of the final report, then it will help us to guide you better.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries, if any.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 minutes later)

As far as it lit up a little, the dr said the whole area did not light up, just a small piece within the area.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
still it remains suspicious

Detailed Answer:
Even if it is a small area, we can't ignore it as cysts are non-enhancing.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (17 minutes later)

Did you receive the 2 reports I uploaded?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
received only december MRI

Detailed Answer:
that scan was without contrast. If this time CT with contrast has been done, that would be more informative.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 minutes later)

I just uploaded a ct with contrast

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
overall, possibility of cyst is higher

Detailed Answer:
though there is a small possibility of solid tumor, in all probability it is a cyst. Further followup should be sufficient for now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (18 minutes later)

What would be some options to define if it's a cyst or not. Recommendations?

I uploaded the latest CT from Tuesday. Thank you for your opinions.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
this CT is more in favor of solid mass

Detailed Answer:
The features detailed in this CT favor a solid tumor. So surgery, possibly laparoscopic, to remove it, while preserving the kidney may be warranted. Biopsy of that should give the final diagnosis.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad