Significant Pain and an Overlooked Kidney Cyst: A Frustrating Journey
Subject: 63-year-old male, weighing 175 pounds, Caucasian ethnicity, experiencing sporadic discomfort in the lumbar region and side, alongside a history of diverticulitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). No history of tobacco or illicit drug use, moderate alcohol consumption, and generally active lifestyle without reliance on prescription medications. Presenting Issues: Large cyst measuring 8.3 centimeters on the left kidney, low ferritin levels at 4, and slightly elevated white blood cell count. Greetings, My father has been dealing with sporadic discomfort in his back and side for almost a year now. Over this period, he has undergone an extensive range of diagnostic tests including MRI scans, CT scanning, endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound examinations, a pill camera procedure, and numerous blood tests. Recently, he consulted a hematologist who reviewed his previous imaging results and uncovered an 8.3 cm cyst residing on the left kidney. Notably, this finding, from MRI imaging conducted in January 2025, had not been disclosed by his primary care physician. The imaging results are accessible in his medical records, yet there was no subsequent consultation regarding this matter. Last week, he raised this cyst issue with his family doctor, who dismissed it as commonplace, stating it was "insignificant" enough not to warrant mention. Following this, a referral was made to a surgeon, who likewise asserted that this cyst shouldn’t be responsible for my father’s pain. However, upon examining the MRI, I can’t help but wonder if the cyst isn't exerting pressure on the surrounding nerves, potentially leading to his discomfort. I am consumed with anger—could this indicate medical malpractice? Is there negligence at play among his healthcare providers? I spend a lot of time with him, and it’s heartbreaking to witness the extent of his suffering, which has severely impacted his quality of life. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this situation.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 3:01:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation; it’s understandably frustrating to see a loved one in pain, especially when you feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously. Let’s break this down and focus on addressing the immediate health concerns as well as your feelings about the medical response he has received.
Main Points
- Sporadic Lumbar Pain and Kidney Cyst: Your father has an 8.3 cm kidney cyst, and the potential connection between this cyst and his pain needs to be explored further.
- Low Ferritin and Elevated WBC: These lab findings suggest there might be underlying nutritional deficiencies or signs of an inflammatory process, which should also be addressed.
- Addressing Medical Concerns: It may be necessary to seek further evaluation regarding the cyst and symptoms.
Explanation
Kidney cysts are quite common and often asymptomatic. However, in cases where the cyst is large, like your father's, it can sometimes cause discomfort or pain by pressing on surrounding structures. His low ferritin levels indicate he may be iron deficient, while an elevated white blood cell count can point to an active inflammatory process or infection. These factors could be contributors to his discomfort as well.
Regarding the dismissal of the cyst's significance by the healthcare providers, it’s essential to have his symptoms and any abnormalities taken into consideration comprehensively. It’s not uncommon for large cysts to be overlooked, but if the cyst is impacting his quality of life, further medical intervention may be warranted.
Next Steps
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a log of his symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any other related factors (like diet or activities). This information can be helpful for future consultations.
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Specialist Consultation: If he hasn't already, consider requesting a follow-up with a urologist or a nephrologist who specializes in kidney conditions. They can provide more targeted evaluation of the cyst and whether it could be affecting his pain.
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Nutritional Assessment: Given the low ferritin levels, a referral to a nutritionist or a hematologist for further evaluation and management of anemia may be beneficial.
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Pain Management: Discuss with his healthcare providers the potential for pain management strategies that could improve his quality of life while this situation is addressed.
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Consider a Second Opinion: If you feel that his concerns are still not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider can provide new insights and options.
It's essential to advocate for your father's health needs during this challenging time, and pursuing these next steps can help ensure that his concerns are taken seriously. It’s also completely valid to feel upset about potential shortcomings in care; seeking clarification and further diagnosis is part of ensuring your father's health needs are met. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need more information or assistance as you navigate this process.
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