Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Evaluation at Southland Urology

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most prevalent form of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for approximately 90-95% of cases. It originates from the renal tubular epithelium, most commonly from the proximal convoluted tubule. The disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages and may be discovered incidentally on imaging for unrelated conditions. Prognosis and treatment are highly dependent on the histological subtype and TNM staging, which assesses the tumor’s size (T), involvement of regional lymph nodes (N), and presence of distant metastasis (M). Major subtypes include clear cell RCC (the most common and often associated with VHL gene alterations), papillary RCC, and chromophobe RCC.

The board-certified urologists at Southland Urology specialize in providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from kidney cancer. Finding out that you have cancer can be extremely overwhelming. Our urologists are dedicated to not only treating your kidney cancer but also making you feel as comfortable and confident as possible during your recovery. If you have any questions or would like schedule an appointment, please call our offices in Fullerton or Yorba Linda at (714) 870-5970.

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Causes and Types of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma (RCC), begins when cells in the kidneys grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. The exact cause is often unknown, but several factors can increase your risk, including age, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and certain inherited conditions.

The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 9 out of 10 cases. It typically starts in the lining of the small tubules in the kidneys. Less common types include transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in the part of the kidney where urine collects, and Wilms tumor, which is a rare type that primarily affects children.

Diagnosis

Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms and is frequently discovered by chance during imaging tests for other conditions. When symptoms do appear, they can include blood in the urine, a persistent pain in the side or back, a lump in the abdomen, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

To diagnose kidney cancer, a healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history. They may order blood and urine tests, as well as imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound. In some cases, a biopsy—where a small sample of the tumor is removed and examined—may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific type of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences. The main treatment options are surgical and non-surgical.

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Ablation: For smaller tumors, procedures like cryoablation (using extreme cold) or radiofrequency ablation (using heat) can destroy cancer cells without surgery. These are often used for people who are not good candidates for surgery.
• Targeted Therapy: These drugs focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells that help them grow and survive, such as blocking the growth of new blood vessels.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment uses medications to boost your body’s own immune system, helping it to recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is not a standard treatment for most types of kidney cancer, but it may be used in certain situations, especially if other treatments have not been successful.
• Radiation Therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is most often used to relieve symptoms of advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Active Surveillance: In some cases, for very small tumors, your doctor may recommend active surveillance, which involves regular monitoring to see if the tumor grows. This is often an option for elderly patients or those with other significant health issues.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment for localized kidney cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

• Partial Nephrectomy: This procedure involves removing only the part of the kidney that contains the tumor, leaving the healthy portion intact. It is often the preferred choice for smaller tumors.
• Radical Nephrectomy: This surgery involves removing the entire kidney, along with a margin of healthy tissue and sometimes surrounding lymph nodes. This is typically done for larger tumors or when the cancer has spread within the kidney.

Both partial and radical nephrectomies can be performed as open surgeries or as minimally invasive procedures using a laparoscope or robotic assistance, which can result in less pain and a faster recovery.