Condition
Lumps in the kidney
Being told you have a lump on your kidney is understandably worrying. Many kidney lumps are simple cysts and completely harmless. When a mass does need treatment, modern kidney-preserving surgery is available.
Overview
What is this condition?
'Kidney lump' is a broad term that covers simple cysts, complex cysts, benign tumours (such as oncocytoma or angiomyolipoma) and kidney cancers.
A careful review of your imaging is the first and most important step — it usually allows us to categorise the lump and plan the right pathway for you.
Common symptoms
Symptoms to be aware of
Many kidney lumps are found incidentally on a scan requested for another reason and cause no symptoms at all.
Loin or flank pain
Blood in the urine
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent low-grade fever
A palpable lump in the abdomen
Often no symptoms at all
Possible causes
What can cause it
Simple kidney cysts
Fluid-filled and extremely common with age — usually harmless.
Complex cysts
Categorised using the Bosniak system to guide follow-up or treatment.
Benign tumours
Includes oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma.
Kidney cancer
When present, is highly treatable if identified early.
Many causes are benign and highly treatable. A structured consultant-led assessment is the fastest way to reach a clear diagnosis and a personalised plan.
When to seek medical advice
Some symptoms should always prompt prompt specialist review. Please seek urgent medical advice — through your GP, NHS 111 or A&E — if you notice any of the following.
- Visible blood in the urine
- New severe loin pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- A rapidly enlarging abdominal mass
- A known kidney lump that is growing or changing character on scans
Diagnosis
How the diagnosis is made
Diagnosis follows a clear, patient-centred pathway — often completed within one or two visits.
- 01
Review of existing scans
Careful expert review of any imaging already performed.
- 02
Medical history
Personal and family history including any prior cancers.
- 03
Examination
Abdominal, flank and general examination.
- 04
Blood and urine tests
Kidney function, blood count and urine for microscopic blood.
- 05
Dedicated imaging
Ultrasound, CT and MRI as required to fully characterise the lump.
- 06
MDT discussion
Complex cases discussed in a multidisciplinary team to agree the best plan.
Treatment options
Treatments tailored to you
Treatment is personalised through shared decision-making. Both conservative and procedural options are considered where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Why patients choose Mr Teleb
Consultant-led urology care you can trust.
Consultant-led care
Every consultation, investigation and follow-up is with Mr Teleb personally.
NHS Consultant
Substantive Consultant Urologist at University Hospital of Wales.
Evidence-based treatment
Modern, guideline-based care delivered to a high standard.
Rapid access
Most new patients are seen within a few days.
Personalised management
Treatment plans tailored to your anatomy, health and priorities.
Clear communication
Unhurried explanations, written summaries and shared decision-making.
Related conditions
Related procedures
Patient information
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FRCS (Urol)
Fellowship-trained consultant
5.0 patient rating
Verified private reviews
Seen within days
Same-week appointments
All major insurers
BUPA · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · WPA