KIDNEY CANCER
Masses within the kidney are often detected incidentally but may present with symptoms such as pain in the side of the body or blood in the urine (haematuria). Small growths in the kidney (less than 4cm) have a 20% chance of being benign, and a renal biopsy may help to characterise these lesions.
If the kidney mass is a cancer, surgery, often involves removal of the whole kidney laparoscopically. Sometimes it is possible to remove the cancerous growth whilst preserving the normal kidney. Other treatment options for small masses include Radio-Frequency Ablation or surveillance.
RENAL CALCULI
Stones can occur anywhere within the urinary tract and affect over 10% men and women at any age. They commonly cause severe loin pain (colic), or blood or infection in the urine.
This can be managed endoscopically with small internal stents and laser stone ablation. Other options we can organise include USS lithotripsy of the stone (ESWL) or if aymptomatic surveillance. He will also organise follow up to investigate a cause for the stone, and any future preventative measures.