Kidney cancer evaluation and care
Renal cell cancer, usually just called kidney cancer, grows from cells inside one of the two kidneys, which clean waste out of the bloodstream.
Possible signs
- Blood showing up in your urine
- A lasting ache under the ribs on one side
- A mass you can feel in your flank
- Unplanned weight loss or ongoing fatigue
- On-and-off fevers with no infection to explain them
Risk factors
A family history of kidney cancer, long-standing high blood pressure, smoking, extra weight, older age, being male, and years of on-the-job contact with substances like asbestos or cadmium are linked with higher risk.
How is a kidney mass evaluated?
Ultrasound, CT and MRI show the size and location of a kidney mass. Blood and urine tests check kidney function and look for blood. A biopsy is sometimes used, but not always needed when imaging is clear. PET/CT can help with staging in some situations.
Treatment
Surgery is a common treatment for kidney cancer. When it can be done, our urologists aim to remove the tumor while keeping healthy kidney tissue. Our urologists will explain the options, risks and recovery for your situation.
More on this topic from Advanced Urology: kidney cancer
Educational information, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks, benefits and alternatives to discuss with your clinician.
When should you see a urologist about kidney cancer?
Book a visit when a scan done for another reason finds a kidney mass, or when you notice blood in the urine. Bring the scan report or disc so we can review it.
What is recovery usually like?
Watching a small mass involves scheduled imaging. Ablation and kidney surgery each have their own recovery, and our urologists explain the expected course for the option that fits you.
More questions we hear
Is every kidney mass cancer?
No. Some masses are benign. Imaging, and sometimes a biopsy, helps sort out what a mass is.
Can a small kidney tumor be ablated instead of removed?
For many small tumors, yes. Needle ablation is an established option, and we compare it with watching the mass and with surgery.
What is histotripsy?
Histotripsy uses focused ultrasound with no incisions. For kidney tumors it is still being studied in clinical trials and isn't a standard option yet.
Is immunotherapy used for kidney cancer?
Yes, mainly for kidney cancer that has spread or has a high chance of returning after surgery. The medicines help the immune system attack cancer cells and are given by the cancer team alongside our urologists.
Which articles go deeper on kidney cancer?
These short reads answer questions patients often bring to us.
- Can a small kidney tumor be ablated instead of removed?
- How does histotripsy compare to surgery?
- Kidney Tumor Ablation: who is a candidate?
- A mass was found on my kidney: what happens next?
- Can histotripsy be repeated if needed?
- What is immunotherapy for kidney cancer?
All 6 articles on kidney masses and kidney cancer
Clinicians whose Advanced Urology profiles list this area: Jason Lomboy, MD, Andy Ostrowski, MD.
Symptoms and risk factors
Possible signs include hematuria, aching under the ribs, a lump in the flank, weight loss, tiredness or fevers, though many tumors first turn up on scans for unrelated problems. Smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, family history, age over 50 and exposure to chemicals such as asbestos or cadmium raise the risk.
Treatment choices
Kidney cancer is most often treated surgically, and our urologists aim to remove the tumor while preserving healthy kidney tissue. For selected small tumors, ablation, including histotripsy, may be an option, and immunotherapy is part of care for some advanced cancers.
Common questions
Will I need to stay in the hospital?
Needle ablation is often outpatient or overnight, while surgery to remove part or all of a kidney usually needs a short hospital stay. You get the expected stay before surgery is booked.
Do you review outside scans?
Yes. Bring the CT or MRI images and the written reports; we compare them with any new scans to see whether a mass has grown.
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