Can a small kidney tumor be ablated instead of removed?

Reviewing your scans with us

Small kidney masses are usually found on a CT or ultrasound ordered for something else. In Marietta, one of our urologists goes over the images with you, describing how large the mass is and where it sits, then reviews kidney function, other conditions and any blood thinners.

How our urologists compare ablation and surgery

We look at where the tumor sits, how big it is, your overall health and your own preferences. For some people, surgery that removes the tumor and preserves healthy kidney tissue makes the most sense; for others, a needle-based ablation or careful monitoring may be reasonable. We'll share the trade-offs of each, including how follow-up scans work afterward.

When to reach out

Call us if you notice blood in the urine, new pain in your side or back, or unexplained weight loss or fevers while you're waiting on a decision. Our team at (678) 344-8900 serves patients from Canton, Jasper and Dallas as well as Marietta.

Bring a list of medicines, any outside imaging discs or reports, and the names of your other doctors so we can coordinate with them.

Kidney tumors are more common after age 50 and in people exposed to asbestos or cadmium.

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