Name of the Condition

• Benign Neoplasm of Unspecified Kidney
• Sometimes referred to as "renal benign tumor" or "non-cancerous kidney growths."

Summary

• A benign neoplasm of the kidney is a non-cancerous tumor located in the kidney. These growths are generally not life-threatening and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, they may still require medical attention depending on their size and the symptoms they cause.

Causes

• The exact cause of benign kidney tumors is often unknown. They may result from genetic mutations or hereditary conditions.

Risk Factors

• Family history of kidney tumors.
• Genetic conditions such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) or Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
• Older age, as the risk of tumors generally increases with age.

Symptoms

• Many benign kidney tumors are asymptomatic and found incidentally.
• Possible symptoms include hematuria (blood in urine), pain in the flank area, or a palpable mass in the abdomen.

Diagnosis

• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT (computed tomography) scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are commonly used to diagnose kidney neoplasms.
• In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the benign nature of the tumor.

Treatment Options

• Observation: Regular monitoring with imaging tests for small, asymptomatic tumors.
• Surgery: Partial or complete nephrectomy (removal of part or all of the kidney) for larger or symptomatic tumors.
• Ablation: Techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryoablation can be used to destroy tumor tissue.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis is generally excellent for benign kidney tumors, with low risk of progression to cancer.
• Regular follow-up with imaging studies is often needed to ensure the tumor remains benign and to monitor for any changes.

Complications

• Potential complications include pain or discomfort, bleeding, or, rarely, interference with kidney function if the tumor grows large.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• While specific prevention methods for benign kidney tumors are not well-established, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can support overall kidney health.
• Regular medical check-ups can aid in early detection and management.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical attention if experiencing signs such as persistent flank pain, blood in urine, or an abdominal mass.

Additional Resources

• American Kidney Fund (www.kidneyfund.org)
• National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming the tumor's benign nature and its unspecified kidney location.
• Avoid confusion with malignant neoplasms by carefully reviewing medical documentation and any provided imaging reports.