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Kidney Surgery

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, starts in the tubes of the kidney known as renal tubules. This is why it is termed renal cell carcinoma. Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers, especially in men. But women can also develop kidney tumors. Let’s go over the basics of kidney cancer so you can understand this disease.

What Puts You At Risk?

While anyone can get kidney cancer, some factors raise your chances:

  • Being over 50 years old
  • Smoking
  • Being male
  • Having obesity
  • Advanced kidney disease
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • Being African American

Having these factors does not mean you will definitely develop kidney tumors. But minimizing risks like quitting smoking, losing weight, and controlling blood pressure can help. This also lowers chances of other health issues.

Spotting the Signs

These are common kidney cancer symptoms. See your doctor if you have:

  • Blood in urine
  • Abdominal lump
  • Back or side pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Anemia (low blood cell count)
  • Metastases symptoms like bone pain or cough
  • Fever
  • High calcium blood levels
  • Elevated blood cell counts

While these may indicate kidney cancer, other conditions can also cause them. But if you have symptoms and risk factors, get checked.

Diagnosing Kidney Cancer

I will examine you and go over your medical history and symptoms. If kidney cancer is suspected, you may need:

This shows if you have cancer, its stage or spread, and guides treatment.

Treating Kidney Tumors

Treatment is based on your specific cancer. For many early stage cases, robotic nephrectomy surgery effectively removes tumors while minimizing side effects. Other options include:

I will go over your options and recommend the best approach for you. Feel free to ask any questions!

Followup Care

After treatment, we will monitor you for recurrence with exams and imaging tests. I’ll advise you on checkup timing. We’ll also discuss:

I’m here to guide you through kidney cancer treatment, recovery and beyond. Let’s work together to fight this disease.

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