chronic back pain

[sweetpea772]

i just had a ct scan done for my back and they found a 12mm low density lesion on left kidney and a stone on right kidney, what is a low density lesion?

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sweetpea,

I know how frightening the low density lesion finding must be to you...but relax. These occur for various reasons, most always they are benign. That doesn't mean they don't produce some concern when it's our CT results. As explained above low density lesions  are near opaque. When trying to understand the term low density, think of a gas, which would fit that description.  

There have been low density lesions noted on my right kidney periodically over the last 18 years. Just follow the advice of your urologist...and make sure you do consult a urologist if you aren't already. Don't be afraid to discuss this in detail and ask lots of questions. Writing down your concerns prior to your appointment may be helpful.

Here are some links to additional forums on MedHelp that may be helpful:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Urology/9mm-lesion-in-kidney/show/226127

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Urology/show/52
Many questions on this forum are being responded to by Dr J Singh.

The kidney stone noted may pass without your knowledge. However that will most likely be determined by the size of the stone.

Your physician will probably want to follow up with more imaging, if not now then in several months. I hope you will keep in touch with us and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to hearing from you again soon. Best of luck to you.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[SLadylani]

A low density lesion means there is less mass concentrated in that area, as opposed to a high density lession where there is more mass concentarted in one area. It's anything seen as opaque or translusent on the scan and can be similar to a bruise, on the MRI at least. As it's 12mm, it could likely be a benign cyst, and treatment will be up to your urologist-if you have one, if not I suggest you get. Usually urologist will just watch these types of lesions to see what they do, worst case scenario they will go in and remove it. Your lesion is medium in size, so if you're having pain in  that are, you doctor may want to do something about it. The kidney stone is what I would be conerned about as those can be very painful. Regardless, I suggest you get into see a specialist-a urologist if you don't have one, as they are the experts in this area. He/she can go over treatment options with you depending on what symptoms you are having, your physical exam, family history, etc. I wish you the best of luck and hope your treatment goes well! Best wishes,

Sara RN