What are benign (non-cancerous) kidney tumors?

Benign kidney tumors are abnormal growths in or on the kidney but are not cancerous. Unlike malignant tumors, they do not spread to other body parts (this process is called metastasis). While they aren't a direct threat to your life, they can still cause health problems if they get big enough to press on nearby organs or block the flow of urine.

What are the Types of benign kidney tumors?

Some types of benign kidney tumors include:

Renal adenoma: A small, benign tumor of the kidney that usually causes no symptoms. It rarely grows or turns into cancer but may be monitored to ensure safety.
Renal oncocytoma: A benign kidney tumor made up of oncocytes, typically slow-growing and non-cancerous. It may require removal if large or causing symptoms.
Angiomyolipoma: A non-cancerous kidney tumor composed of blood vessels, muscle, and fat. Large tumors can cause pain or bleeding and may need treatment.

What are the symptoms of benign kidney tumors?

Many people with benign kidney tumors don't have any symptoms. The tumor is often found by chance during a scan for another medical condition. However, if symptoms do appear, they can include:

Pain in the side or back.
A lump or mass that you can feel in your abdomen.
Blood in the urine (medically known as hematuria).
High blood pressure.

What causes benign kidney tumors?

The exact reason most benign kidney tumors form is not known. They are thought to develop from abnormal cell growth within the kidney. Some types of benign tumors are linked to specific genetic conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis or Von Hippel-Lindau disease.

How are benign kidney tumors diagnosed?

Diagnosing a benign kidney tumor usually involves a combination of tests and imaging. These may include:

Physical Exam: A doctor will check for a lump you can feel and discuss your symptoms with you.
Urine and Blood Tests: These tests can help check how well your kidneys are working and look for blood in your urine.
Imaging Scans:
- Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create pictures of your kidneys.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This provides detailed, cross-sectional images of the kidneys.
- MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images, which can be especially helpful in distinguishing different types of tumors.
Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the tumor may be taken and examined under a microscope to confirm its benignity. However, this isn't always necessary, especially if the imaging results strongly suggest the tumor is not cancerous.

What are the treatment options for benign kidney tumors?

Treatment for benign kidney tumors depends on the type, size, location, and the symptoms they are causing. A doctor may recommend active surveillance if a tumor is small and not causing any problems. This means they will monitor the tumor with regular imaging scans to ensure it isn't growing.

For large tumors, growing, or causing symptoms, treatment options may include:

Surgery: This is the most common treatment. Options include:
- Partial Nephrectomy: This method involves removing only the tumor and a small part of the healthy kidney tissue around it while keeping the rest of the kidney. It is often the preferred method.
- Radical Nephrectomy: This is the removal of the entire kidney. It is usually saved for very large tumors or if the tumor's location makes it too difficult to remove only a part of the kidney.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Cryoablation: These are minimally invasive procedures that use heat (RFA) or extreme cold (cryoablation) to destroy the tumor cells. These are typically used for smaller tumors.

What are the risks of treatment?

The risks associated with treatment, especially surgery, can include:

Bleeding
Infection.
Damage to nearby organs.
Loss of kidney function.
The need for further treatment.

Your doctor will discuss these risks with you based on your specific treatment plan.

What is the recovery and outlook?

The recovery time depends on the type of treatment you receive. Minimally invasive procedures have a shorter recovery time than open surgery. Most people who have surgery for a benign kidney tumor have a very good outcome. The long-term outlook is excellent since the tumor is not cancerous and doesn't spread, especially if the entire tumor is removed. Follow-up appointments and imaging may be needed to ensure the tumor does not come back.

When should I call my doctor?

You should contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

New or worsening pain in your side or back.
Visible blood in your urine.
You feel a new lump or mass in your abdomen.
Unexplained weight loss or fever.
If you have had a procedure, call your doctor if you experience signs of infection, such as fever, increasing pain, or redness and swelling at the surgical site.

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Benign (Non-cancerous) Kidney tumors treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Hospital has the most experienced team of Uro-Oncologists and diagnostics with the latest and International standard infection control measures in Lucknow, India. The Uro-Oncology team has decades of experience in successfully treating Benign (Non-cancerous) Kidney tumors in Lucknow, India.