Redding, CA
A 56-year-old female asked:
What is exophytic renal cysts? my husband has one that is measured 8mm. could it be a precursor to kidney cancer?
4 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

Dr. Addagada Raoanswered
General Surgery 58 years experience
No: A renal cyst that grows from inside to surface of kidney is called exophytic renal cyst is (are) benign single or multiple, if no symptoms are left alone.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Terry Woodardanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 34 years experience
Certainly may be: An "exophytic" mass is one that grows away from the epithelium (or membrane lining) and often heralds a pre-malignant or possibly malignant mass. These need evaluation and management by both a urologist (kidney surgeon) and a nephrologist.
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Dr. Lawrence Hochmananswered
Radiation Oncology 33 years experience
No: Cysts are just fluid filled pockets, renal cysts are common and are unrelated to kidney cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Richard Linkanswered
Urology 26 years experience
Unlikely: Exophytic renal cysts are simply cysts that extend outside the kidney capsule. You can envision a "pimple" on the surface of the kidney. Endophytic cysts are those that are buried within the kidney cortex. The 8 mm cyst is very small and difficult to characterize on noncontrast imaging. However, such a small lesion without complex features is highly unlikely to be cancerous. May deserve followup.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 46 years experience
One older person in four has a cyst that can be like this. Best left alone unless the radiologist is worried.
Jul 15, 2013
Last updated Apr 24, 2022
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