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Malignant neoplasm of left renal pelvis
ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Malignant neoplasm of left renal pelvis (Kidney Cancer, Renal Pelvis Cancer)
#### Summary
- Malignant neoplasm of the left renal pelvis refers to a cancerous growth in the funnel-like structure that connects the kidney to the ureter on the left side. This type of cancer affects part of the urinary system that collects urine from the kidney before it is passed to the bladder.
#### Causes
- The exact cause of renal pelvis cancer is not well understood, but it may involve a combination of genetic mutations and environmental factors. Smoking and exposure to certain chemicals (such as those found in dyes or rubber) have been implicated as potential causes.
#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals, long-term use of certain pain medications, previous history of bladder cancer, and possibly family history.
#### Symptoms
- Symptoms might include hematuria (blood in the urine), lower back pain on the affected side, a lump or mass in the kidney area, fatigue, and unintended weight loss.
#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to identify the presence of tumors. A biopsy may be performed to confirm malignancy. Urine tests might also be used to check for cancer cells.
#### Treatment Options
- Treatment options include surgery (such as nephroureterectomy to remove the affected kidney and ureter), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Surgery is often the primary treatment, and additional therapies are used to eliminate remaining cancer cells or manage symptoms.
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis and how well the cancer responds to treatment. Early-stage cancers have a better outlook. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging are crucial to monitor for recurrence.
#### Complications
- Complications can include kidney failure if the other kidney is not functioning well and metastasis, where cancer spreads to other parts of the body, leading to serious health issues.
#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals can help manage or prevent renal pelvis cancer. Regular health screenings can also facilitate early detection.
#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Individuals should seek medical attention if they experience persistent blood in urine, unexplained weight loss, or continuous pain in the lower back or abdomen.
#### Additional Resources
- National Kidney Foundation: [kidney.org](https://www.kidney.org)
- American Cancer Society: [cancer.org](https://www.cancer.org)
- Patient advocacy groups can offer support and additional information.
#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure precision by verifying the laterality of the malignancy (left renal pelvis) when coding.
- Avoid misclassification with similar ICD-10 codes by confirming the specific location is the renal pelvis, not the kidney or bladder.