I understand this might be an odd question, but is it only an oncologist that will deliver your potential cancer diagnosis? Would a Surgeon also be able to give this news?
Thank you. It was a relief, but not 100% out the woods until mass pathology comes back after its removed. A confusing and worrying time as people on this forum understand all too well.
This will still be a worrying wait until you get your post-op pathology results. Try to steer clear of google in the meantime. Much of the information is aimed at the more spectacular cases, is not appropriate to you, will only scare you further and will not provide any answers.
Please keep in touch. As you know, we are always here for you.
Hello, a follow up, I had robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery to remove the mass near my lower pole right kidney just before Christmas 2023. The surgery went better than anticipated and no kidney tissue was removed. My previous biopsy was useful in that it ruled out any cancerous biomarkers pathology suggested a type of benign lymph node disorder called Castleman's Disease - this diagnosis was confirmed after the excisional biopsy of the mass after surgery. Although benign certain types of Castleman's Disease can mimic Lymphoma and indeed potentially have an equally challenging prognosis, but again I'm lucky I have a type of Castleman's that once the single diseased lymph node is removed it should be curative. Phew. This experience has been challenging but has prepared me in the future should I ever face a potential cancer diagnosis.
It's great to hear from you and to learn that your surgery went well and that no kidney tissue was removed. I am delighted to hear that your post-surgery results still pointed to a benign lesion. As far as I understand, unicentric Castleman usually has a good outcome, after the mass is removed. Are you going to have routine check ups now?
Thanks, yes I believe I will be monitored. Just recently had a follow up CT scan of the surgical site, and will discuss my results and future with an experienced Haematology Oncologist. Satisfied with my NHS care so far. I genuinely feel lucky at one point I was under suspicion for a retroperitoneal Sarcoma.
This is certainly much better than a retroperitoneal Sarcoma and I'm sure that you feel relieved. The NHS gets a lot of bad press, but we're really very fortunate to have it. I am glad to hear that you will have ongoing monitoring and I sincerely hope that everything continues to go well for you.
