Kidney Cancer?

Hi all,

I have a 6cm kidney cyst with enhancing nodules and they have graded it at Bosniak 4, I am now scheduled to have the whole of my Kidney surgically removed around middle of January 2025.

They have said it’s 90% of it being cancerous, however they believe it’s contained with the kidney itself, but they can’t do a biopsy so they will test the Kidney once it’s removed and then await 6 weeks for the results.

The surgeon believes it’s more of a tumour and he said he doesn’t like the look of it from the recent scans. He’s happy with the scans of my lungs and bladder as cannot see any spread of the cancer.

I am just a little bit worried as I’m in my 30’s and I’m hoping all is okay, do they normally take the whole of the Kidney out if they highly suspect it being cancerous?

I feel like it’s not sunk in properly yet, anyone else in or been in a similar situation like me?

  • Hello MrsB2024, 

    What a stressful time it must be for you and I hope that you will hear from others here on the forum who have faced a similar situation before. Your story reminded me of that of another member who posted here a couple of years ago - have a look at  's Bosniak Type 4 Cyst thread and don't hesitate to reply to it if you would like to do so. 

    We have information on our website on the nephrectomy which I hope will be useful and if you have any questions and would like to talk to one of our cancer nurses, they're available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9am - 5pm. They will be happy to tell you more about whether they tend to take the whole kidney out or any other question you might have about the surgery. 

    It's good news though that the surgeon is happy with the scans of your lung and bladder and it looks like there is no further spread. 

    I hope that you will hear from other members of our community who have been through something similar before and that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Best wishes and best of luck for the surgery in January - if you get a chance do come back here and let us know how you get on.

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator