Kidney Cancer

There is no routine screening test for kidney cancer. Many cases are found during imaging for other health issues.

• Imaging tests. Imaging, such as a CT scan, MRI, PET scan or ultrasound, is used to identify kidney masses and determine their size and location. These tests also show whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
• Blood and urine tests. These tests cannot diagnose kidney cancer on their own, but they can provide important clues about overall health and kidney function.
  • Blood tests may show anemia (low red blood cell count), abnormal kidney function or changes in liver enzymes or calcium levels.
  • Urine tests may detect blood in urine or signs of infection or other kidney conditions.
• Biopsy. Kidney biopsies are rarely needed because many kidney cancers can be accurately diagnosed based on imaging tests alone. In some cases, if the diagnosis is uncertain or a patient has certain high-risk features, a biopsy may be recommended. A kidney biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample with a needle for examination under a microscope.

Not all kidney tumors need to be treated right away. Some small kidney tumors grow very slowly and may never cause problems. In these cases, active surveillance may be the safest and most appropriate approach.

Active surveillance involves closely monitoring the tumor over time with regular imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI or ultrasound. If the tumor shows significant growth or changes that suggest treatment is needed, your care team will discuss the best treatment options with you.

Surgery is the most common treatment for localized kidney cancer. Options include removing part of the kidney or the entire kidney, often using minimally invasive techniques.

Patients who receive kidney cancer care at MUSC benefit from clinicians with expertise in multiple advanced robotic approaches for complex surgery, including both single-port and multi-port robotic surgery. Having access to these options allows surgeons to choose the approach best suited to each patient's condition while minimizing the potential impact of surgery – a significant advantage for patients with kidney cancer.

Traditional robotic surgery uses several small incisions through which instruments and a camera are inserted using multiple robotic arms. In contrast, single-port robotic surgery involves a single, small incision using one robotic arm that accommodates the camera and all surgical instruments. For appropriately selected patients, this minimally invasive approach may result in less pain, faster recovery and minimal scarring.

Cryoablation, also called cryotherapy, uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells. A small probe is placed inside the tumor, and cold gases create an ice ball that kills the cancer tissue.

Cryoablation may be an option for some small kidney tumors, particularly for patients who are not good candidates for surgery. It can be used to treat the entire tumor while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat generated by electrical energy to destroy cancer cells. During the procedure, a thin needle is inserted into the tumor, and heat is applied directly to the cancerous tissue.

Like cryoablation, RFA may be used for small kidney tumors and can be an alternative to surgery for some patients.

Radiation therapy is often used to eliminate kidney cancer when surgery is not recommended. It is highly effective and noninvasive. Usually the radiation treatment is delivered in five or less daily outpatient treatments.

Targeted therapies are drugs designed to attack specific features of cancer cells. For advanced kidney cancer, these treatments may block signals that help tumors to grow or prevent the formation of new blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients.

Targeted therapies are often used alone or in combination with immunotherapy and have become an important treatment option for advanced kidney cancer.

Immunotherapy helps your body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. These treatments have transformed care for many patients with kidney cancer and are often used for advanced disease.

Depending on the type and stage of cancer, immunotherapy may be used alone or combined with targeted therapy. Some patients may also receive immunotherapy after surgery to help reduce the risk of cancer returning.

No complementary or alternative therapy has been proven to treat or cure kidney cancer. However, some complementary approaches may help to manage symptoms, reduce stress and improve quality of life during treatment.

Examples may include nutrition counseling, mindfulness practices, massage therapy, acupuncture or exercise programs. Always discuss any complementary or alternative therapies with your healthcare team before starting them, as some may interfere with cancer treatments or affect your health.

Yes. Most people can live normal, healthy lives with one kidney. After surgery, your care team will monitor kidney function and provide guidance on maintaining kidney health.

Most people do not need dialysis after kidney cancer surgery, especially if the remaining kidney is healthy. Your doctor will determine your individual risk based on kidney function and overall health.

Kidney cancer usually begins in the kidney’s filtering units and is treated differently than bladder or prostate cancer. Treatment plans are tailored specifically to kidney cancer.