Understanding CT Scan results

[Fionajay]

Hi, I recently had a scan and the recommendation is a ct scan/ultrasound to further reassess complexity. The original scan results showed low attenuation lobulated well defined lesion mid portion left kidney and complex para pelvic cyst. Query is what does all that mean? Doctor said he was concerned hence the follow up (which is two months away) I have mid back pain and occasional really sharp pain under left rib, not sure if this is related? Thanks for help

[Hidden]

Hi, I use a Merriam Webster online medical dictionary that is put out by Medlineplus. It will provide you with a better understanding of the jargon used until you see your physician. As to the doctor, didn't you ask him for an explanation? If not, always ask for a full explanation so you understand. Keep asking until you do. If the doctor refuses, get a different physician.

[Fionajay in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your quick reply. He just said the cyst had changed to complex and that he was concerned hence the follow up. I will take a look at the dictionary and see if I can get any further. Thank you again.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Fionajay,

I found this by Googling. Mr. Kidney is right. You need to be able to talk to you doctor and get an explanation of what is going on. It is your body.

"The terms "tumor," "mass," or "lesion" are used to describe an abnormal growth in the kidney. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A fluid-filled sac, called a cyst, is the most common growth found in a kidney. Cysts are mostly not cancerous."

urologyhealth.org/urologic-...

[Fionajay in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your help, I will be armed with questions for my next visit. When I asked if I should be concerned..his reply was was 'well I am concerned that is why I have you back in' and when I asked if it could be cancer he replied there was a possibility Thanks again.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Fionajay]

HI,

Yes, there is always a possibility but as the post said, most often they are benign. Try to look at it is a good thing they are working on solving the issue.

Keep in touch and let us know how it goes.

[Fionajay in reply to Bassetmommer]

Will do, it's always best to keep the sunny side up and after all whatever will be will be, I know there is no point in worrying about it as worry wont change anything Thanks again and I will keep you posted. All the best Fiona

[Spedden1 in reply to Fionajay]

Good luck to you Fionajay!

[lowraind in reply to Fionajay]

If he is so concerned, why wait two months?

[Fionajay in reply to lowraind]

The health system is overloaded unless you have private health care then you can jump queues. Its a two tier system.

[Hidden in reply to lowraind]

My cousin is in the US they knew he had bladder cancer and he had to wait 2 months to see the surgeon. It's not unusual unfortunately.

[Fionajay in reply to Hidden]

Yes it is the same here in Ireland, fine if you have private health insurance, not so fine if you don't.

[Hidden in reply to Fionajay]

It's all private insurance here for the most part. My cousin has great insurance. Our health system is starting to fall apart.

[MICHIGANDAVID in reply to Fionajay]

There should be an area on test results that states something like final impression. That is the important and main findings...

[Fionajay in reply to MICHIGANDAVID]

I will look at the results again but from memory I think it said further scan was needed to further characterize/reassess complexity of cyst. He was concerned as the edges were rugged and the inside had become darker? Thank you for your reply. Fiona

[Hidden in reply to Fionajay]

Not sure this helps, but I had bladder cancer, and my bladder and prostate were surgically removed in Feb. 2015. A year later, cancer was detected in my R ureter and kidney, and so they were surgically removed. Both M D Anderson and Johns Hopkins urologists told me I represented patients in the 8% who had carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the bladder who then got TCC requiring the kidney surgery. RCC represents the remaining 92% of CIS bladder cancer patients. With TCC, the only remedy is removal of the ureter/kidney. My annual follow-up involves two tests, a CT scan (without contrast) and a loopogram. The loopogram are standard X-rays of the pelvic region from 7-8 different perspectives. I was told the CT scan had to be done without contrast because I am now CKD4. Much more common than TCC is RCC (renal cell carcinoma). As I understand it, detected early enough, individual tumors can be removed from a kidney, allowing it to continue functioning. No such luck with CIS/TCC.

[Fionajay in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your story, Wow you have been through the mill, sending you every good wish your way. I have lots of reading ahead of me so I know what to ask at the next appointment. thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for this link. It sure represents a thorough explanation of kidney cancer. Think I'll print it.

[RoxanneKidney]

Yeah it is related, but if he scheduled it two months out he is not too worried, so relax.