Men and women normally have 2 kidneys that function to filter our blood. Urine is created and brought to the bladder before it is eliminated through the urethra.
Kidneys can develop masses that may be cancerous. Some of the signs and symptoms of kidney cancer are blood in the urine, pain in the back, and weight loss. Fortunately many masses are found in the kidney before they cause symptoms. These masses are found when people have abdominal ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans for other complaints.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Treatment Options
If you have an early diagnosis of kidney cancer, there is usually a range of treatment options. These may include:
- Conservative management (surveillance)
- Minimally invasive therapy including cryosurgery and radiofrequency ablation, or
- Surgical removal of part of the kidney or the whole kidney
Your treatment options will depend on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, your age and health, and the skill of your surgeon.
Learn More:
Information on robotic kidney surgery