Renal Tumours
The vast majority of solid renal masses are malignant. Most are renal cell carcinomas. Renal cell carcinoma, renal adenocarcinoma and hypernephroma are all synonymous.
- The classical triad of gross Haematuria, flank pain and a palpable flank mass is present in less than 10% of patients.
- Most renal tumour are found incidentally on abdominal ultrasounds or CT scans done for other reasons.
- Any solid renal mass is malignant until proven otherwise.
- There are some benign renal tumours but they are rare and the diagnosis is usually made pathologically after the kidney has been removed.
- The work up of a renal mass includes a CT scan of the abdomen and a CXR.
- Other investigations sometimes required include a bone scan, angiography, venocavagram and Doppler ultrasound.
Treatment is with surgery - radical nephrectomy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been shown to be of little benefit.
