Kidney Cancer
Kidney-sparing surgery whenever it is oncologically safe.
For: Patients with a kidney mass found on imaging, or a known renal tumor.
Overview
Understanding Kidney Cancer
Renal cell carcinoma is increasingly discovered incidentally on imaging performed for another reason, which means more tumors are found small and confined. Small renal masses often allow partial nephrectomy, removing the tumor while preserving the kidney and long-term renal function.
Symptoms
Signs worth an evaluation
- Often none. Many kidney tumors are found incidentally on CT or ultrasound
- Blood in the urine
- Persistent flank or back pain on one side
- A palpable mass in the abdomen or flank
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, or anemia
Causes
Causes and risk factors
- Smoking
- Obesity and long-standing high blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease and long-term dialysis
- Inherited syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau and hereditary papillary renal carcinoma
- Family history of kidney cancer
Diagnosis
How we evaluate it
- 1Dedicated renal-protocol CT or MRI with and without contrast
- 2Assessment of baseline renal function and the health of the opposite kidney
- 3Staging chest imaging
- 4Renal mass biopsy in selected cases to guide management
Testing is chosen for your situation. Not every patient needs every step listed here.
Treatment
Treatment options we offer
Active surveillance
Interval imaging for small, slow-growing masses, particularly in older patients or those with competing health risks.
Partial nephrectomy
Robotic kidney-sparing surgery that removes the tumor and preserves functioning kidney tissue whenever oncologically appropriate.
Radical nephrectomy
Minimally invasive removal of the kidney for larger or centrally located tumors.
Ablative therapy
Thermal ablation for selected small tumors in patients who are not ideal surgical candidates, coordinated with interventional radiology.
Systemic therapy coordination
Referral and shared follow-up with medical oncology for advanced disease, including modern immunotherapy regimens.
Why choose PSUMG
Specialist care for kidney cancer, close to home.
Robotic partial nephrectomy expertise, with kidney preservation as the default goal
Fellowship-trained urologic oncology decision-making on surveillance versus surgery
Long-term renal function is tracked, not just cancer control
A kidney mass is not automatically an urgent operation. Many are managed with surveillance or kidney-sparing surgery once the imaging is properly interpreted.
Learn More
For additional patient education, explore these trusted resources.
Medical Disclaimer. This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.