Posted by
Steffen on April 20, 1999 at 17:45:10
Well, I went in for my CT, and the doctor from radiology told me after the
tests that they 'did not find a simple kidney cyst.' They see a renal
cyst with a density in the 20s (what does this mean? 20 what). He said a
simple renal cyst would be in the single digits. I have not gotten to talk
to my regular doctor to discuss what is next, and the radiologist doctor
was very vague. SO, please respond to me about what is meant by density
of a renal cyst, and is 20s something to worry about? What would, in
general, be the next step as far as tests? Are we talking a possibility
of malignancy? Please help!!!!
Posted by HFHS M.D.-AK on April 21, 1999 at 16:09:27
Dear Steffen,
There are many ways to image a kidney mass and make a diagnosis. Often suspicious lesions are imaged by more that one method. I don’t know your full history, nor do I know how your mass was discovered. These and other historical facts are very important.
A CT scan is a very efficient way to examine a possible kidney mass. The CT answers questions about the function of the kidney, the size of the kidney or suspicious lesion, and can also be important in staging of a diseases if that becomes necessary Often, the images are taken with and without contrast to look for enhancement. A lesion that does not enhance, would be less likely to have a good blood supply and less likely to be cancer. In your case, I cannot tell you much without looking at your films to identify the details that I need to know.
What I’m trying to say is, that without looking at your films and without knowing your history, I don’t want to cause you needless concern about your CT scan. Your doctors are obviously concerned about this lesion on your kidney, but there is much more to imaging than just one number. They are never going to tell you for sure that this is or is not a canerous lesion because the only way to find out is with surgery or a biopsy.
To answer your question directly, the density values are standardized through the use of the Hounsfield scale. The Hounsfield scale extends from -1000 to +1000 (air is fixed at -1000 water at zero and bone at +1000). Other values include fat at approximately -50HU, soft tissue around +40HU, and clotted blood around +70HU. You said that your lesion was around 20HU. This is in a very nonspecific area of the Hounsfield scale that may require another form of imaging. Renal cysts are often evaluated by ultrasound and may be of benefit in your case. I am not a radiologist and I will leave the job of further work-up in there hands
Your next step is to ask your doctor to go over your films with the radiologist. He or she can then determine if further imaging is necessary or to take a more invasive step. Remember, this nonspecific number does not mean you have cancer, it only means that further evaluation maybe necessary.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:Kidney Cancer
