About Small Kidney Masses

Small kidney masses can also be called tumors. Like every other organ in the body, kidneys can grow tumors. There are two major types of tumors: benign or malignant. Malignant tumors are also called cancers. Benign tumors are growths that will not spread like cancers can.

What does it mean to have a Small Kidney Mass?

• A small kidney mass is a tumor that measures up to 4 centimeters across (about 2 pennies).
• Most of the time (75 times out of 100), a small kidney mass is a cancer.
• If it is a cancer, the name of the cancer is renal cell carcinoma.
• If it is a cancer, a small kidney mass means it does not have signs of spread outside the kidney.
• If it is a benign tumor, the mass will not spread outside the kidney

Who gets Kidney Cancer?

• The biggest risk factor for kidney cancer is age. Some other risk factors are smoking and certain genetic diseases that run in the family.
• Most people who are diagnosed with kidney cancers are in their 60s.