Unclear Imaging Results Can Be Frustrating
Why couldn't my ultrasound, CT, or MRI diagnose my kidney mass?
Ultrasound, CT, and MRI imaging are often the first step in trying to figure out what kind of kidney mass you might have. However, these scans do not always give answers:
- Conventional scans can show location and size of a mass but are often unable to determine what type of mass it is
- Some noncancerous (benign) masses and cancerous (malignant) tumors look almost the same
Imaging does not always pick up certain features that would help doctors know the exact type of mass you have. This is a common experience and is not a result of something done wrong—it’s simply a limitation of current imaging technology.
Kidney masses are difficult to diagnose with current imaging
Kidney masses are often found by chance during imaging for another, often unrelated condition such as stomach or side pain.
Making a diagnosis can be tough for care teams due to:
- Where the mass is located
- The size and shape of the mass—especially if it is 4 cm or smaller
Sometimes current tests do not give a clear answer. This can be frustrating, because it can make it harder to decide on next steps.
Your care team must also consider:
Your medical history
Treatment risk factors
CT, computed tomography; MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.