Background
The vast majority of solid renal masses are malignant.
Most are renal cell carcinomas.
Renal cell carcinoma, renal adenocarcinoma and hypernephroma are all synonymous.
Clinical
- The classical triad of gross haematuria, flank pain and a palpable flank mass is present in less than 10% of patients
- Most renal tumour are found incidentally on abdominal ultrasounds or CT scans done for other reasons
- Any solid renal mass is malignant until proven otherwise
- There are some benign renal tumours but they are rare and the diagnosis is usually made pathologically after the kidney has been removed
- The work up of a renal mass includes a CT scan of the abdomen and a CXR
- Others, sometimes required include a bone scan, angiography, venocavagram and Doppler ultrasound
Management
- Ensure all are follow up by both the GP and urology teams
- Treatment is with surgery - radical nephrectomy
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been shown to be of little benefit