Kidney Cancer Specialist

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys, the organs located in the abdomen on each side of the spine. When discovered early, kidney cancer is highly treatable. See your doctor at the first sign of new or unusual symptoms.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

If you have kidney cancer, you may not notice any symptoms in the early stage of the disease. However, over time, you might experience the following:

• Blood in your urine
• Pain in your side or back
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Fatigue

Your provider may accidentally discover kidney disease during routine CT scans related to other medical conditions.

What are the risk factors for kidney cancer?

Common kidney disease risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• Older age
• High blood pressure
• Long-term dialysis
• Inherited syndromes
• Genetics
• Family history of kidney cancer

Ways to reduce your risk of kidney cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, keeping blood pressure under control, eating healthy foods, and getting regular exercise.

The Houston Cancer Institute, PA, offers genetic testing to determine your chance of developing certain types of inherited cancers.

How does my doctor diagnose kidney cancer?

To find out if you have kidney disease and develop an effective treatment, your Houston Cancer Institute, PA, specialist reviews your symptoms (if you have any) and your medical history. They complete a physical examination and may recommend you undergo blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or kidney tissue biopsies.

What are my kidney cancer treatment options?

Your kidney disease treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Your Houston Cancer Institute, PA, specialist might suggest one or more of the following:

Surgery 

Surgery can remove part or all of your kidney to get rid of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of your body.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-powered X-rays or protons to kill cancer cells and reduce symptoms associated with kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses drug treatments to enhance your body’s immune system and ability to fight cancer.

Cryoablation

Cryoablation uses a needle, ultrasound guidance, and cold gas to freeze cancer cells.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses electrical currents administered through a needle to heat up and burn cancer cells in your kidney.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses special medications, often administered intravenously (through an IV), to destroy cancer cells.

Staging your cancer 

To determine the best treatment for your  cancer, the team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA, stages your cancer using state-of-the-art Cat Scan or PET/CT imaging.

The scans show how large the tumor is, how deeply it extends , and whether it's spread to other areas. This will help our team at the Houston Cancer Institute, PA  identify what stage of cancer you  have and tailor your treatment plan to that stage for optimal outcomes and recovery. 

Don’t let kidney cancer go undetected or untreated when numerous cancer treatments can improve your odds of beating the disease. Call the nearest Houston Cancer Institute, PA, office or book an appointment online today.