Renal Mass Clinic

Summa Health has developed a specialized Renal Mass Clinic with a dedicated team of experts who can handle everything along the continuum of kidney care including:

• Kidney cancer screenings
• Rapid evaluation of masses
• Multidisciplinary approach to kidney cancer treatment

We know that the time between renal mass detection to diagnosis is very stressful. Most diagnosed kidney growths are small and localized masses. Localized means that the tumor has not spread out from where it first started. Around 40% of kidney cancers are localized renal masses. Masses may be solid or cystic (having fluid). Most cystic masses are benign.

We provide:

• Expedited appointments for patients with masses that are concerning for kidney cancer and are recommended to have immediate follow-up testing.
• Continued follow-up for smaller renal masses that need ongoing surveillance.
• Continued surveillance for patients who have had prior treatment for kidney cancer, but need ongoing surveillance.

At your appointment:

• You will meet with a urologic oncologist. 
• Your physician will use evidence-based guidelines to determine follow-up recommendations. 
• You may meet with a navigator to assist with coordinating and expediting your care. 
• Your team will connect you with resources for tobacco cessation counseling, nutrition support, and financial support if needed.
• Patients with masses that are concerning for malignancy will have their case reviewed at our weekly multidisciplinary conference. During this conference, all diagnostic information is reviewed by a multidisciplinary team including urologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, navigators and dietitians. 
• Your primary care physician/referring provider will be informed of your plans for follow-up. 

We may use many tests and procedures to make a diagnosis, including: 

• Physical exam and history
• Lab work, including a basic or complete metabolic panel (CMP), as well as a complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis to check for infection, blood and protein in your urine
• Kidney function tests
• Ultrasounds
• CT scan and MRI are useful for diagnosing and staging renal masses. They can show which kidney is affected, whether the cancer has spread and if other glands or organs are involved.
• Chest x-rays help to find out what stage your cancer is. A mass in your chest usually suggests your tumor has spread.
• Bone scans may be done if you have bone pain or neurologic (nerve) symptoms.

Our Renal Mass Clinic is located on our Akron Campus. Call 330.374.1255 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.