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Dubuque Today
By the People, for the People
Maquoketa Woman's Mammogram Leads to Lifesaving Kidney Surgery
Teri Kaune's routine screening uncovered an unexpected health issue that required immediate treatment.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:56am
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A routine mammogram uncovered an unexpected kidney tumor for one Iowa woman, leading to lifesaving surgery.Dubuque TodayAfter avoiding mammograms for nearly a decade, Teri Kaune of Maquoketa, Iowa, finally went in for a screening at UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital in Dubuque in April 2025. The routine mammogram unexpectedly revealed a kidney mass, leading Kaune to undergo successful surgery to remove the tumor.
Why it matters
Kaune's story highlights the importance of regular preventive health screenings, as her mammogram uncovered an unrelated but serious medical condition that may have gone undetected without the screening. Early detection of the kidney tumor allowed for prompt treatment and likely saved Kaune's life.
The details
During Kaune's mammogram appointment, the radiologist noticed an unusual mass on one of her kidneys. Further testing confirmed it was a tumor, and Kaune underwent surgery at UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital to have the mass removed. The procedure was successful, and Kaune is now recovering well.
- Kaune avoided mammograms for nearly 10 years prior to her April 2025 appointment.
- The mammogram that uncovered Kaune's kidney tumor was performed in April 2025.
The players
Teri Kaune
A resident of Maquoketa, Iowa, who underwent a lifesaving mammogram and kidney surgery after avoiding screenings for nearly a decade.
UnityPoint Health - Finley Hospital
The hospital in Dubuque, Iowa, where Kaune received her mammogram and subsequent kidney surgery.
What they’re saying
“I'm so grateful I finally went in for that mammogram. It ended up saving my life in a way I never expected.”
— Teri Kaune
The takeaway
Kaune's story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving potential of routine preventive health screenings, even when they uncover unexpected medical issues. Her experience underscores the importance of making regular mammograms and other recommended tests a priority for one's overall health and wellbeing.
