Hello and thanks for posting

I appreciate getting a surprise call for an urgent appointment especially in a cancer unit is bound to be worrying. It's natural to wonder if cancer is suspected given the circumstances, but it's also possible that the consultant just wants to be thorough by checking things out.

An enlarged kidney can be caused by several things, not all of them serious, but because your husband's appointment is with an oncology specialist ,it makes sense that they would want to check for anything concerning. If they do need to carry out more tests it may take a couple of weeks to get them organised. I don't think that it is common to get everything sorted in one visit.

You might find that the doctor is able to give an opinion of what they think is the matter today, and there may be no need for your husband to have further tests. But if they are unsure you may find that they are reluctant to say much at this first appointment. Please do not assume the worst if the doctor asks for more tests. This is quite common and it does not always mean that anything serious is wrong.

It's reassuring that your husband has no symptoms., and the fact that this was picked up incidentally might mean it has been caught early, whatever it is.

I appreciate the waiting and uncertainty is difficult but hopefully todays appointment will give you more clarity.

I hope this reply helps a little. Please get back to us if you have need any more information or support. You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene

Hello Katie and thanks for getting back to us,

I can understand what a shock it must have been for you both to hear this news.

Once the surgery has been performed the results will be discussed in an MDT where all the doctors involved in your husband's care will look at the results form the histopathology including any other tests that he has had and work out whether he needs any further treatment.

We have some information on our website about surgery to remove the kidney which you and your husband may find helpful to look at. Do try and take one step ahead and not overthink it for now.

You are both welcome to ring to chat through any of this with one of the helpline nurses. The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine