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 57 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.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Terry Woodardanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 33 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.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Lawrence Hochmananswered
Radiation Oncology 32 years experience
No: Cysts are just fluid filled pockets, renal cysts are common and are unrelated to kidney cancer.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Richard Linkanswered
Urology 25 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.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Ed Friedlander commented
Pathology 45 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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