Kidney Cancer

[Guest]

i had a ct scan in sept '01. at that time a small mass was found in my rt. kidney. they then did an ultrasound but the mass did not show up on it. because it did not show up on the ultrasound, the radiologist could not rule out a cyst. i had another ct scan done in may '02 and again the mass shows up very clearly. the radiologist (different radiologist different hospital) said it was a solid mass tumor. again an ultrasound was done and it didn't show up. we will be doing another ct scan in sept. question is, what is the significance of it not showing up on ultrasound. (the last ct showed it to be 1.8 cm)

[Guest]

Ultrasound is very good at showing small masses that have different echo texture (i.e. kidney tissue vs. fluid or fat), but when the masses are of the same type of tissue, the technology can be limited.
Such a scenario suggests that the echo textures are similar which usually rules out a cyst, but does not necessarily mean the mass is a malignant tumor.
Your urologist will be your best source for the individual guidance you require.

[quote] i had a ct scan in sept '01. at that time a small mass was found in my rt... [/quote]