Renal Cell Carcinoma (Kidney Cancer) Support Group
Renal cell carcinoma, also known by a gurnistical tumor, is the most common form of kidney cancer arising from the renal tubule. It is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Initial therapy is with surgery. It is notoriously resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, although some cases respond to immunotherapy.
What exactly does a needle biopsy for a kidney entail?
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.
they gave a local for the pain - helped a bit - I believe they used a scan to guide them, it was over a year ago, I do forget things - there was more discomfort after the procedure when the local had worn off - there is some debate whether the biopsy can cause more problems by spreading the cells, in my case they were trying to get as much info before going in.
when in doubt, ask the docs what they are looking to achieve
Our doctor would not do this procedure. His position was that whatever the kidney mass was , it had to come out. If you're scheduled for that, you may not want to put yourself through another painful procedure.
Hugs!
they may also be looking to know what the type is - mine was (i Hope it is past tense) papillary
when I was going through this I asked questions but I did not know which questions were the more improtant ones to ask - post op, I became a more aware patient. kind of a warped version of the "closing the barn door after the fact" philosophy
be well, Rich
Biopsies of tumors in the kidney are usually not performed because the biopsy may miss the tumor and for fear that the cancer cells may be spread by the procedure.
You can find more information about the diagnosis and staging of kidney cancer at my blog:
http://prayeatlovelaugh.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-is-kidney-cancer-diagnosed.html
In my opinion, the decision on whether to do a needle biopsy versus a nephrectomy would depend on the location of the mass. Some masses (or lesions) are found on the outer portion of the kidney - others, like mine, are in the middle of the kidney.
Some people here know that the tumour was discovered by chance in early January when I had an Abdomen/Pelvic CT scan after being diagnosed with RA.
The Urologist has been watching it since then and I've had 2 CT scans, 2 Ultrasounds and an MRI done, none of which can say conclusively that it is benign or malignant. It is relatively small - 3cm - and is on the upper pole of the right kidney.
I posted a question some months ago "Biopsy or not?" and had a lot of feedback so I am aware that a biopsy can miss or spread cancer cells.
I was just interested to find out from people who may have undergone a needle biopsy what the actual procedure was and how they felt afterwards.
I am still in two minds about it myself and just wanted to have as much information at my fingertips for my appointment with the Urologist next Thursday.