Kidney Cancer Specialist

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys. Most cases of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the filtration system of the kidneys.

Other types of kidney cancer include:

• Lymphoma
• Wilms’ tumor
• Sarcoma
• Urothelial carcinoma

These other types of kidney cancer are significantly less common than renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for more than 90% of kidney cancer cases.

Your risk of developing kidney cancer increases as you get older. You may also be at risk of developing this type of cancer if you smoke, have high blood pressure, are obese, or have a family history of kidney cancer.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages, and there is no kidney cancer screening test. As the cancer progresses, you may begin to experience:

• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your urine
• Pain in your back
• Intermittent fevers

You should schedule an appointment with the specialists at Urological Associates if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms so they can perform a comprehensive evaluation.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor at Urological Associates conducts a series of tests to determine if you have kidney cancer. These tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests
• Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scan
• Biopsy, if needed

After it’s determined that you have kidney cancer, your doctor stages the cancer based on the size of the tumor and if it’s spread to other areas such as the lymph nodes.

What treatments are available for kidney cancer?

Your treatment for kidney cancer depends on the type and stage of kidney cancer you have and your general health. Surgery is the most common treatment.

Your doctor at Urological Associates can perform a laparoscopic nephrectomy for kidney cancer, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions, a laparoscope, and tiny surgical instruments to remove the tumor. The procedure takes 3-4 hours and is conducted under general anesthesia. Compared to the traditional open surgery, the minimally invasive procedure causes less discomfort and a faster recovery.

To learn more about your treatment options for kidney cancer, call Urological Associates to schedule an appointment or book one online.