Renal cell carcinoma is uncommon in children. However a kidney cancer called "
WilmWilms tumor's tumor" is a distinct possibility. Know that the overall results of treatment of this type of cancer are quite good, but
nephrectomyKidney removal (kidney removal) and chemotherapy will be necessary. I gather that this tumor is not a cyst (i.e., that it is solid). The fact that it is growing rapidly is of great concern. Your physician is
correctCorrect (new formula) that the exact diagnosis cannot be established without a piece of tissue to look at under the microscope. If you were to put a needle into it to just do a biopsy, you change the stage and thus the choice of treatments and run the risk of spreading it if it is malignant. One can live quite successfully with only one kidney (I am assuming that he has two kidneys and that the other appears normal and to be functioning normally).
Given what you have told me above, I would move quickly to remove his kidney.
Good luck!
S.A.Liroff, M.D.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. It
does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Henry Ford Hospital or the
Vattikuti Urologic Institute. Please consult your physician for diagnostic
and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.