Cancers
Kidney masses and kidney cancer, planned in Johns Creek and Cumming
A CT or ultrasound that mentions a kidney mass is a reason to sit down with us even if you feel well. Our urologists review the images, talk about whether a biopsy or a period of watching is reasonable, and, when treatment is needed, discuss the operations and other options we actually offer.
How a kidney finding reaches clinic
Many masses are found on a scan done for something else. Bring the report and, when you have it, the disc. We would rather read work already done than repeat a study without a reason. Visits can take place in Johns Creek or Cumming. Operations we perform after a visit in Johns Creek or Cumming are scheduled at the Johns Creek Clinic & Surgery Center.
How we evaluate a mass
We look at size, appearance, and whether the mass is likely to be a cyst, a tumor, or something in between. Blood work and staging studies, when they would change the plan, come next. Biopsy is used when it would actually help us choose; it is not automatic. Our article on robotic kidney surgery, and our treatment options page, are companions to this visit, not a substitute for it.
Treatments we discuss
Watching selected small masses, surgical removal of the tumor or the kidney when that is the right operation, and, in some cases, approaches performed with interventional radiology as described on official Advanced Urology pages. Dr. Rut Patel’s official profile names robotic surgery as a focus of his role. We will tell you who would perform your operation and whether it belongs in the Johns Creek surgery center or in a hospital.
A related official video on imaging used in kidney, bladder and testicular cancers
An official Advanced Urology video on this topic.
Watch: #021 - FDG PET / CT for Kidney, Bladder and Testicular CancersWhat the video covers. Titled "#021 - FDG PET / CT for Kidney, Bladder and Testicular Cancers." The public description covers fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography, a test used to look for cancer in many parts of the body.
Does a kidney mass on a scan mean cancer?
Not always. Some findings are cysts or other benign masses. The scan still deserves a scheduled visit so we can read it with you.
Can the first visit be in Cumming?
Yes. We can review images in Cumming. If an operation is recommended, we schedule it at Johns Creek unless your case belongs in a hospital.
Do all kidney tumors need to come out immediately?
No. Some small masses can be watched with a clear follow-up plan. We will say when watching is reasonable and when it is not.
What is robotic kidney surgery, in brief?
It is an operation using robotic instruments to remove a tumor or a kidney through small incisions, when that approach fits the case. We discuss it when that approach fits the case we treat.
Does a mass I just found on a report belong in emergency care?
If you feel well, this is clinic work. Go to the emergency department if you have severe pain, cannot urinate, or are bleeding heavily.
Who will see me?
A urologist at Johns Creek or Cumming, depending on the office you book. Profiles are on the care team page.
Whenever a visit would help, the Johns Creek and Cumming teams are a phone call or a booked appointment away.