I am 44, male. Why do I have a hard lump on my left lower back?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 44-year-old male. I had a hard lump on the left lower back between the top of the hip bone and the lower ribs. No pain to the touch.

It feels about the size of a marble or the end of a pinky finger. What is it most likely? I did have a hard fall on my back about a year ago in that area, but I am not sure if that could be related.

I want to know what the chances are of something like kidney cancer, as that is what comes up when I use the internet. Can you feel a lump in the kidney near the surface? Does it feel like what I described?

I included an image of the same. I am currently using Prilosec.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern, and I have seen the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Looking at the location you pointed to, there should be no lump ideally in that area, as it is purely muscular. Having said that, in your case, since you had a fall at that point last year, possibly a hematoma has formed and not totally dissolved due to lack of movement or physiotherapy. This is quite normal and not worrisome.

The chances of kidney cancer if it is painless are actually one in a million if you have no other symptoms, especially urinary symptoms. I would recommend an ultrasound abdomen-pelvis once feasible.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There are several different types of kidney cancer, and I would rather not have you worried about the many symptoms. However, let us just say, for your kind description, in case of kidney cancer, it would surely produce not only pain but also either bloody urine or absolutely no urine. I am happy you consulted the right person and did not believe an AI bot to diagnose and treat you.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.