Left abdominal pain, patient discovered "giant" kidney tumor

(Dan Tri) - Coming to the hospital with pain in the left abdomen, occasional blood in the urine and mild abdominal distension, the patient was surprised when the doctor discovered a large tumor, measuring up to 15x20cm in size, in the kidney.

On August 15, Hanoi Oncology Hospital informed about the case of a patient with a large kidney tumor that invaded and destroyed the entire kidney parenchyma structure, invading the renal pelvis.

Before the tumor was discovered, the female patient (68 years old) had a healthy history and had never been diagnosed with any disease.

Examination results at Hanoi Oncology Hospital showed that the patient had a tumor in the left kidney measuring about 15x20cm, completely destroying the renal parenchyma structure, invading the renal pelvis. Notably, the tumor caused thrombosis in the renal vein, spreading to the inferior vena cava, increasing the risk of life-threatening embolism or pulmonary embolism.

CT scan image of kidney tumor invading inferior vena cava (Photo: Provided by the hospital).

BSCKII Vo Quoc Hoan - Deputy Head of General Planning Department, doctor of General Surgery Department said that tumor surgery for patients has many challenges.

"The patient's tumor is very large, occupying the entire kidney cavity, causing narrowing of the surgical field, limiting dissection. Not to mention the tumor invading the large venous system, there is a risk of massive blood loss during surgery. The anesthesia and resuscitation process is also high risk, due to the impact on the inferior vena cava circulation, requiring strict hemodynamic control," Dr. Hoan informed.

The doctors had prepared carefully for the surgery. The surgical team removed the entire left kidney and tumor, and opened the inferior vena cava to remove the blood clot, preserving the maximum vascular structure and function of the right kidney.

Postoperatively, the patient recovered well, had stable right kidney function, and was able to eat and exercise lightly after 1 week. The patient was prescribed adjuvant immunotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence and improve survival prognosis.

Doctors advise that renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can progress silently, only detected when the tumor is large or has complications.

Therefore, when there are symptoms such as lower back pain, blood in urine, and abnormally large abdomen, it is necessary to see a specialist early. Timely diagnosis and intervention help increase the possibility of radical surgery, reduce complications, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/dau-tuc-bung-trai-benh-nhan-phat-hien-khoi-u-than-khong-lo-20250815105730121.htm