Kidney Cancer

Overview

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that sit behind your abdominal organs and are protected by your abdominal wall. Kidney Cancer begins from one cell in your kidney that grows uncontrollably and forms a tumor.

The kidney’s primary function is to filter your blood and remove excess water, salt, waste and toxins. They are also responsible for regulating your blood pressure and assisting in the process of red blood cell production. There is a range of different cancer types that can develop in the kidneys, however, a majority of kidney cancers are renal cell carcinomas.

Signs and Symptoms

If you have Kidney Cancer you may experience the following symptoms:

• Blood in your urine

• Discomfort in your side or lower back

• Weight loss (not due to dieting)

• Loss of appetite

• Constant tiredness

• A fever which comes and goes and is not caused by an infection

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests and procedures that may be performed to determine if you have Kidney Cancer include:

• Imaging tests - such as CT and MRI scans

• Blood tests

• Urine tests

• Tissue biopsies of the kidney

Treatment

Kidney Cancer is treated with a range of different treatments and procedures depending upon the type of cancer and stage of the disease. Treatments may include:

• Surgery

  • Radical/Laparoscopic Nephrectomy

  • Robotic/Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy

  • Open/Robotic Nephrectomy with IVC Thrombectomy

• Ablation

  • Radio-frequency Ablation

  • Cryoablation