Kidney Cancer & Cysts

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidney. The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen that help to filter waste products from the blood and regulate the balance of fluids in the body.

Symptoms of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine, a lump or mass in the abdomen, pain in the back or side, and weight loss. However, many people with early-stage kidney cancer do not have any symptoms and the cancer may be found incidentally during imaging for other reasons.

There are several different types of kidney cancer, but the most common type is clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, and certain inherited genetic conditions.

Treatment options for kidney cancer depend on the stage and type of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Surgery is typically the first line of treatment and may involve removing the entire affected kidney (nephrectomy) or just the tumor (partial nephrectomy). In some cases, where the cancer has advanced, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or radiation therapy may be used.

It is important to have an early diagnosis, since it can greatly improve the outcome and treatment options available. Regular check-ups, screenings and healthy lifestyle choices can help detect and prevent kidney cancer.

It's important to note that not all cases of kidney cancer are the same and it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a personalized care plan and treatment options.

How is it treated?

There are several treatment options for kidney cancer, including surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. The specific course of treatment depends on the stage and type of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Surgery is typically the first line of treatment for kidney cancer. It can involve removing the entire affected kidney (nephrectomy) or just the tumor (partial nephrectomy). Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and a robotic arm to remove the cancerous tumor. This technique offers several potential benefits over traditional open surgery, such as less pain, blood loss, and scarring, and a faster recovery time. Robotic surgery allows the surgeon to have a precise control over the instruments with the help of a computerized system, which can increase the chances of successfully removing the tumor while minimizing any damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

It is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for robotic surgery and the decision of which type of surgery is best for you should be made by a urologic oncologist who will evaluate the individual case and factors. Consult with Dr Elmussareh for a personalized treatment plan