Kidney Cancer

[Guest]

My far is 65y/o, status post nephrectomized, right, last august 1993. About 4 weeks ago, he had painless hematuria thus CT scan of whole abdomen suggested revealed follwing results: 1. an irregular cystic mass at upper pole of left kidney is noted measuring 2.8 x 2.9 x 1.5 cms. Cystic renal CA predominantly necrotic central portion should be ruled out. It being a simple cyst is less likely due to irregular border. 2. No incident recurrent nor residual mass in right renal bed. 3.No evident of para-aortic adenopathies. 4. Liver, spleen, pancreas unremarkable. Or medical exam results as follows: Chest x-ray- pneumonitis; urinalysis- normal , no rbc cells seen; urine cytology- no malignant cells seen Because of result of CT scan, a consultation made to his previous urologist who permed nephrectomy,right,last 1993 suggested partial nephrectomy of left be permed problem is my far has coronary artery disease. An angiogram suggested many years bach he kept on declining idea since he doesnt want to undergo a by-pass operation thus he content by taking all his maintenance dugs religiously. urologist on orh still awa decision of his cardiologist who happens to be out of country is expected to arrive by end of month(march 2001). Aside from heart ailment, my far is also hypertensive more than 10 years. Now my questions as follows: 1. If in case my far would be tag as "very high rist" do think surgery is still good idea? If not, will happen to mass? 2. Is needle biopsy a good idea? my sister who happens to be a doctor has decided se procedure not be permed bec. it might just wosen condition if it isn't permed well. 3. If renal cell CA happens to be an aggresive type, how many months will it last? If it's slow type, how many months also? If no surgical intervention, or options considering his or ailments? 4. Is it possible mass seen in CT scan could be also a benign tumor since result only suggest "highly suspicious"? 5. We have learned about interleukin via internet, can enlighten us about se? How much does it cost?At present, my far has no or symptoms like weight loss, abdominal pain,etc. Hid only symptom a painless hematuria occured only once. Base from his symptoms,CT scan or examinations, do think my far has a good prognosis even out surgery if not given a CP clearnce by his cardiologist? Kindly enlighte us regarding renal cell cancer thank very much. I hope all my questions will be answered as detailed as possible. Thank again.

[Guest]

Unfortunately your request regarding detailed answers cannot be honored as that would constitute a second opinion and we cannot legally perform such as act. With that said this is what I can say: Surgical resection would be the best option as there is no other therapy available which even comes close to the cure rates for limited stage disease. The use of interferon is not indicated as this drug is used only in cases of metastatic disease. All renal cell cancers are considered aggressive. Whether the risk of surgery is less than the risk of leaving a tumor in is a personal decision which should be discussed with the patient and the family. Lastly, although the mass could be benign the only way to know is to remove it and examine it pathologically. Thank you for using oncologychannel and good luck.