Have you ever heard that different types of tumors can develop in the kidneys? Sometimes these are discovered by chance, while doing some other test. Today we are going to talk about a type of tumor that develops in the kidneys, but is most often not cancerous, that is, a `(benign)` tumor. This is called `(Renal Oncocytoma)`. Don't be afraid, we will talk about this in detail, very simply.
What is this (Renal Oncocytoma)?
Simply put, a Renal Oncocytoma is a benign tumor that develops in one or both of your kidneys. Think of it like a small ball. Sometimes these tumors don't cause any symptoms and don't require treatment. Most of the time, doctors find them by chance, while doing diagnostic tests for another condition. For example, your friend's father was having a CT scan for stomach problems and was found to have a small tumor in his kidney.
What do the two words mean?
If we break down the meaning of the word `(Renal Oncocytoma)`, it is as follows:
- `(Renal)` is Latin for `pertaining to the kidney.' This word is used for things related to our kidneys.
- ``(Oncocytoma)`` means a tumor formed from a special type of cell called ``(oncocytes)`` in medical science. So when these two are combined, it means a tumor formed from oncocyte cells in the kidney. Do you understand?
How common is this (Renal Oncocytoma)?
About 7% of kidney tumors are Renal Oncocytoma. That means about 7 out of every 100 kidney tumors are this type. Some people, about 13% of those with Renal Oncocytoma, may develop multiple tumors in both kidneys. This condition is called Renal Oncocytosis.
Who is at higher risk of developing Renal Oncocytoma?
These tumors, called ``Renal Oncocytoma'', can actually develop in anyone. However, it is seen that the likelihood of developing them is slightly higher in men and people over the age of 60 .
Also, some genetic conditions, such as `(Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome), can cause `(Renal Oncocytoma).` This genetic condition, `(Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome),` increases the risk of developing kidney cysts, non-cancerous tumors, such as `(Renal Oncocytoma),` and kidney cancer.
Can this (Renal Oncocytoma) tumor become malignant?
This is a problem that many people have. The chance of these tumors, called ``Renal Oncocytoma'', becoming cancerous is very low . That is, they are usually ``benign''.
However, very rarely, that is, in very rare cases, some people with `(Renal Oncocytoma)` who have no previous history of cancer have been found to have cancer cells that have spread to the liver or bones (metastatic cancer). This means that their oncocytoma has become cancerous. But, I repeat, this happens very, very rarely . So don't be unnecessarily scared.
What is the difference between Renal Oncocytoma and Renal Cell Carcinoma?
Here is what you need to pay attention to. This tumor, called `(Renal Oncocytoma), when we look at it externally, that is, when we look at it with a `(CT scan)` or `(MRI)`, looks very similar to `(Renal Cell Carcinoma),` which is the most common type of kidney cancer.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to tell with certainty from these `(imaging tests)` alone whether a tumor is `(benign)`, meaning non-cancerous, or `(malignant)`, meaning cancerous. That is why doctors often recommend surgery to remove the tumor. Then, a piece of the tumor is taken and examined `(biopsy)` to confirm whether it is `(Renal Oncocytoma)`, or kidney cancer.
What is the difference between cysts and tumors?
There are similarities and differences between the two. Let's see what they are.
- Cysts are small sacs that can contain fluid, air, or solid material. Most cysts are not cancerous.
- `(Tumors)` (Tumors) are solid lumps of tissue. A `(Tumor)` may or may not be cancerous. `(Renal Oncocytoma)` is a `(tumor)`, but most of the time it is not cancerous.
What causes Renal Oncocytoma?
The exact cause of most kidney tumors, such as renal oncocytoma, is unknown . Some medical experts believe that certain genetic mutations that occur after we are born make some people more susceptible to developing these tumors. This is still being researched.
Is (Renal Oncocytoma) hereditary?
In some families, an inherited gene change or mutation may increase the risk of developing multiple renal oncocytomas in both kidneys. Conditions such as tuberous sclerosis complex and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome can cause tumors to form in various parts of the body, including the kidneys. If any of your family members have these conditions, it is important to tell your doctor.
What are the symptoms of (Renal Oncocytoma)?
Imagine, three out of every four people with `(Renal Oncocytoma)` do not experience any symptoms ! That means they don't even know they have it.
However, if symptoms do occur, they can be very similar to those of kidney cancer. Here are a few examples:
- Blood in your urine (hematuria) . This doesn't have to be red all at once, it can sometimes be pink or brown.
- Flank pain is a pain that comes from the side of the abdomen . This pain can be constant or come and go.
- A lump that feels like it can be caught in the hand on the side of the affected kidney. However, not everyone feels this.
How is Renal Oncocytoma diagnosed?
Most often, doctors discover `(Renal Oncocytoma)` by chance when reviewing `(imaging tests)`, such as `(kidney ultrasounds)`, `(MRIs)`, or `(CT scans)`, to check for other problems, such as kidney stones.
As I mentioned earlier, cancerous tumors like `(Renal Oncocytoma)` and `(Renal Cell Carcinoma)` look the same on `(imaging scans). Because of this, it is difficult for doctors to immediately tell whether a person has a non-cancerous tumor or a cancerous one. The only way to make an accurate diagnosis is to do a `(biopsy)`, which examines the cells of the tumor. This `(biopsy)` is usually done after surgery to remove the tumor.
For example, about 45% of kidney tumors are found to be noncancerous when biopsied. So, if your tumor is small (usually less than 3-4 centimeters) and not causing any problems, your doctor may recommend ``active surveillance'' instead of surgery. During this ``active surveillance'' period, you will need to have regular ``imaging scans'' to see if the tumor is growing or changing in any way that could be cancerous.
Do non-cancerous kidney tumors need to be removed?
If the tumor is not growing or causing any problems, it may not need to be treated . However, if there is any doubt about the diagnosis, if the tumor is growing rapidly, or if you have symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Surgery can remove only the tumor (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy). The doctor will decide what type of surgery to perform based on the size and location of the tumor. Even if one of your kidneys is removed, you can still live a normal, active life with the other kidney. There is nothing to worry about.
What is the outlook for someone with (Renal Oncocytoma)?
Non-cancerous, that is, benign, renal oncocytomas do not have a major impact on your normal, active life. The chance of an oncocytoma turning into cancer is very, very low. Oncocytomas that have been surgically removed are very unlikely to recur.
However, if you have a genetic condition (such as Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome) that causes organ tumors, then the situation may be a little different. In such cases, it is important to talk to your doctor and have regular checkups.
What time should I see the doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to see a doctor:
- If you have blood in your urine.
- If you have persistent pain in your side or a lump that you can feel in your hand.
- It's okay if you have a fever for no reason, or if you feel like you're losing weight.
These symptoms are not specific to `(Renal Oncocytoma)`, but can also be symptoms of other kidney diseases. Therefore, it is best to seek medical advice immediately.
What questions should I ask the doctor?
You can ask the doctor questions like these:
- Why did I develop this `(Renal Oncocytoma)`?
- Do I need to have surgery? Or can I do ``active surveillance''?
- Am I at risk of developing cancer?
- Should I be concerned about complications?
- Do I need to make any changes to my lifestyle?
Don't be afraid to ask these questions. It's very important that you have a good understanding of your situation.
Let's take a look at the difference between (Renal Oncocytoma) and (Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma)
Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma is a very rare type of kidney cancer. It develops in the small tubes (tubules) in your kidneys that help remove waste products from your blood. These waste products are excreted through your urinary system. About 5% of kidney cancers are of the chromophobe type.
People with Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome are more likely to develop kidney tumors. They are at increased risk of developing both noncancerous tumors (Renal Oncocytoma) and cancerous tumors (Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma). The exact type of tumor can only be determined by surgery and a biopsy.
So, what do we need to remember from all of this?
Renal oncocytoma is a type of non-cancerous tumor that often develops in the kidneys and does not cause any symptoms. Doctors often find it incidentally during other tests. Because it looks similar to renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer, surgery may be needed to remove the tumor. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure whether you have renal oncocytoma or kidney cancer. Don't panic, but if you have any concerns, see a doctor. Early detection and proper management are key.
` Kidney cysts, renal oncocytoma, non-cancerous, kidney cancer, symptoms, biopsy, kidney surgery
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