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What Does My Renal Ultrasound Result Indicate?
Question: I had a renal ultrasound with the following results:
Results as follows from the radiologist from the ultrasound:
Bilateral renal cysts.
6 mm hyperechoic lesion involving the right upper pole that may represent
an calcification, angiomyolipoma or renal cell carcinoma. The CT scan
dated 9/15/2011 is suggestive of an angiomyolipoma. However, a CT urogram
scan may be helpful for differentiation.
(The angiomyolipoma is a benign finding in the kidney).
*********************************************************************
My question is
Does it sound like:
1. The lesion detected in this ultrasound was also detected in the 2011 CT scan (and suggested there to be aangiomyolipoma)?
2. The 2011 CT scan a also a CT urogram scan? If so, why would another ct urogram scan be recommended?
Results as follows from the radiologist from the ultrasound:
Bilateral renal cysts.
6 mm hyperechoic lesion involving the right upper pole that may represent
an calcification, angiomyolipoma or renal cell carcinoma. The CT scan
dated 9/15/2011 is suggestive of an angiomyolipoma. However, a CT urogram
scan may be helpful for differentiation.
(The angiomyolipoma is a benign finding in the kidney).
*********************************************************************
My question is
Does it sound like:
1. The lesion detected in this ultrasound was also detected in the 2011 CT scan (and suggested there to be aangiomyolipoma)?
2. The 2011 CT scan a also a CT urogram scan? If so, why would another ct urogram scan be recommended?
Brief Answer:
CT scan with urogram might be best
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the scan indeed picked up a lesion as small as 6mm as you have mentioned, it is unlikely that it is a carcinoma. An angiomyplipoma is a more likely possibility but the only really good way to know the nature if the lesion us by performing a CT scan, first a plain study followed by a contrast study if your kidney is normal as I anticipate it is.
Based on the nature of enhancement after contrast, a good radiologist will be able to opine if it's indeed an angiomyolipoma and has grown or not grown since the previous scan, and if so no further treatment will be needed.
Hope I have been able to answer your query.
Regards.
CT scan with urogram might be best
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the scan indeed picked up a lesion as small as 6mm as you have mentioned, it is unlikely that it is a carcinoma. An angiomyplipoma is a more likely possibility but the only really good way to know the nature if the lesion us by performing a CT scan, first a plain study followed by a contrast study if your kidney is normal as I anticipate it is.
Based on the nature of enhancement after contrast, a good radiologist will be able to opine if it's indeed an angiomyolipoma and has grown or not grown since the previous scan, and if so no further treatment will be needed.
Hope I have been able to answer your query.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So it sounds like the same lesion was detected in the 2011 ct scan and was classified as an AML then, right? But my urologist knew about the 2011 result so why would he have ordered an ultrasound instead of a ct scan in the first place?
The ultrasound was ordered as preliminarty to a cystoscopy to check up on my BPH,
The ultrasound was ordered as preliminarty to a cystoscopy to check up on my BPH,
Brief Answer:
CT scan only for AML. ultrasound for BPH
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
I can assure you that an ultrasound is what is needed for prostate. This also picks up angiomyolipoma quite well. If it is only a follow up scan for angiomyolipoma which has been confirmed, I imagine an ultrasound would be adequate.
On the other hand, if there is concern that the lesion might be not an angiomyolipoma or has grown, a CT urogram might be required.
It will be difficult to imagine why a particular doctor has asked for a specific test unless we understand the thought process when you presented to him with symptoms. For example, if you said you noticed blood in urine, an ultrasound will not provide the answers. A CT will be apt.
On the other hand, if you have symptoms suggestive of obstruction due to prostate, an ultrasound and uroflowmetry and in rare circumstances a urodynamics will be the solution. Neither will CT scan help nor will a cystoscopy.
I suggest you wait till your doctor returns and take a call as to what you need to do before getting any further testing done as it foes not appear to be an emergency.
Best wishes.
CT scan only for AML. ultrasound for BPH
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
I can assure you that an ultrasound is what is needed for prostate. This also picks up angiomyolipoma quite well. If it is only a follow up scan for angiomyolipoma which has been confirmed, I imagine an ultrasound would be adequate.
On the other hand, if there is concern that the lesion might be not an angiomyolipoma or has grown, a CT urogram might be required.
It will be difficult to imagine why a particular doctor has asked for a specific test unless we understand the thought process when you presented to him with symptoms. For example, if you said you noticed blood in urine, an ultrasound will not provide the answers. A CT will be apt.
On the other hand, if you have symptoms suggestive of obstruction due to prostate, an ultrasound and uroflowmetry and in rare circumstances a urodynamics will be the solution. Neither will CT scan help nor will a cystoscopy.
I suggest you wait till your doctor returns and take a call as to what you need to do before getting any further testing done as it foes not appear to be an emergency.
Best wishes.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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