Presentation and evaluation of renal masses

ABSTRACT

To find out the various disorders presenting as renal mass to a referral centre for Urology over a 2 year period. A descriptive study. The study was conducted at Armed Forces Institute of Urology Rawalpindi and Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Pakistan from March 2002 through March 2004. A total number of 43 patients who presented as a renal mass or found to have renal mass during the course of investigations and subsequently underwent treatment at the institute were analyzed in the study. Their mode of presentation as various age group distribution and workup, histological break-up, treatment offered and follow-up was recorded. A total number of 43 patients presented as renal mass during the period of study. Seventy four percent of the masses turned out to be renal cell carcinoma and radical nephrectomy was the most common procedure performed [34 patients]. Hematuria was the most common mode of presentation as seen in 32 [74%] patients followed by lumbar pain in 30 [70%] patients. Majority of the lesions was in 46-55 year age group with 33 [77%]. Advances in diagnostic modalities such as CT and MRI will continue to expand the role of preoperative imaging for the diagnosis of renal masses. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for the majority of such masses and with increasing detection at an early stage, may possibly improve the cure rate of renal malignancies as well