Kidney Cancer

DEFINITION: Tumors on the kidneys (renal masses) are assessed through CT scans and ultrasound techniques. In the past such tumors would otherwise have remained totally hidden and completely asymptomatic (without symptoms) until they had grown sufficiently large to cause either gross or microscopic blood in the urine, this then leading to studies to establish a diagnosis. Now, kidney cancers are more often diagnosed when they are smaller and blood in the urine may not necessarily be observed.

TREATMENTS Once the diagnosis of kidney tumor is made and additional studies (bone scan, CT scan of the chest) have excluded the possibility of metastases (spreading either to the bone, lungs or regional lymph nodes), surgery is performed. Recent advances in the techniques of laparoscopic surgery have permitted radical nephrectomy (removal of the kidney) to be performed without the need for a large incision. Laparoscopic nephrectomy has come to be recognized as the standard surgical treatment approach in removing a cancerous kidney. Further refinements are permitting laparoscopic surgeons to perform partial nephrectomy, removing the tumor while preserving a major proportion of the normal kidney for retention of kidney function. Of related interest is the application of cryotherapy (freezing) in treating small tumors without the need to expose the patient to the potential risks of partial nephrectomy.

BENEFITS The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include a decrease in potential morbidity, reduction in pain associated with surgery, reduced time spent in hospital, and enhanced overall recovery. Longterm results in the use of cryotherapy will be needed to validate its use in the treatment of such lesions.

FIND A DOCTOR This surgery is performed by the following physician(s). Click on a name for a complete profile and contact information.

Michael J. Droller, MD
Simon Hall, MD

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