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WHAT ARE THE KIDNEYS AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
Healthy kidneys work around the clock to clean our blood. Our kidneys are needed for life. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that sit near the middle of the back below the rib cage. They do many things but mainly work to:
• Clean our blood
• Balance fluids
• Remove waste as urine
• Keep the body’s essential chemicals in balance
• Make hormones to keep our blood pressure normal
Male and Female Urinary System
WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER?
Cancer is when body cells grow abnormally and out of control. These abnormal cells may show up as lumps in the kidney. Some kidney lumps are benign (not cancerous). Some are malignant (cancerous). Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers in the United States. There are many different kinds of kidney cancer. The most common ones are:
• Renal cell carcinoma: the most common kidney cancer in adults.
• Transitional cell carcinoma: the second most common kidney cancer in adults.
• Wilms Tumor: a kidney cancer usually found in children.
KIDNEY HEALTH
National Headquarters: 1000 Corporate Boulevard, Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 410-689-3990 • Fax: 410-689-3878 • 1-800-828-7866 • [email protected] • www.UrologyHealth.org
Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Cancer
HOW IS KIDNEY CANCER DIAGNOSED?
Over half of kidney cancers are found by chance. Often they are found when you see a doctor about some other problem.
There are no routine laboratory tests to find kidney cancer. However, your doctor may use many tests and procedures to make a diagnosis. Here are some that you might expect:
• Physical exam and medical history
• Blood tests
• Complete metabolic panel (CMP), also called a blood chemistry
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Urine tests - to check for infection, blood and protein in your urine
• Kidney function tests - to see if the kidneys are getting rid of waste properly
• Ultrasound exam
• CT scan and MRI
• Chest x-ray — to find out if the cancer has spread
• Bone scan
• Biopsy
HOW IS KIDNEY CANCER TREATED?
Once kidney cancer is diagnosed, the tumor is assigned a stage and grade. The tumor stage refers to whether the kidney cancer is still within the kidney, has spread to nearby lymph nodes or has spread elsewhere in the body. The tumor grade refers to how fast the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Treatment options depend on the stage and grade of the cancer. They are also based on your age and general health.
Your doctor may recommend one of four ways to treat kidney cancer:
Active Surveillance
If the tumor is small and not likely to spread quickly, your doctor may monitor you over time to see how it develops. For some patients, surgery is never needed.
Ablation
Ablation is when your cancer is destroyed by extreme cold or heat. If your tumor is small (less than 4 cm in size), your surgeon may consider ablation.
Partial Nephrectomy
A partial nephrectomy is when the doctor removes only part of the kidney. The doctor removes the tumor and/or diseased part of the kidney and leaves the healthy part.
Radical Nephrectomy
A radical nephrectomy is when the doctor removes your entire kidney. It is recommended if your cancer is very large or close to vital structures such as the blood supply to the kidney. Glands close by may also be removed.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
The speed of your recovery depends on your treatment and overall health. A minimally invasive approach (less injury to the body) will lead to a quicker recovery. The best treatment is often the one that offers the best long-term outcome.
You will need to see your doctor regularly. Make sure that you stay in touch with your healthcare provider and keep follow-up appointments as directed. These check-ups are important to watch for regrowth of any cancer.
If your surgeon removed one kidney and the remaining kidney works well, you should enjoy a good quality of life and health. One good kidney can usually do the work of two.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR
To get the most from the visit with your doctor, you might want to write down a few questions and take them with you. Here are some ideas.
q What kind of kidney cancer do I have?
q Can my cancer be cured?
q Has the cancer spread? If so, how far?
q What tests will I have to do before treatment?
q What treatment do you recommend? Why this treatment?
National Headquarters: 1000 Corporate Boulevard, Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 410-689-3990 • Fax: 410-689-3878 • 1-800-828-7866 • [email protected] • www.UrologyHealth.org
Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Cancer
National Headquarters: 1000 Corporate Boulevard, Linthicum, MD 21090
Phone: 410-689-3990 • Fax: 410-689-3878 • 1-800-828-7866 • [email protected] • www.UrologyHealth.org
Diagnosing and Treating Kidney Cancer
q How do I prepare for my treatment?
q What side effects will I have from this treatment?
q Will I need to see other doctors and specialists?
q Will my cancer return after this treatment?
q Are there support groups that can help me through this?
ABOUT UROLOGY CARE FOUNDATION
The Urology Care Foundation is the world’s leading urologic Foundation—and the official Foundation of the American Urological Association. We provide information for those actively managing their urologic health and those ready to make healthy changes in their lives. Our information is based on the American Urological Association resources and is reviewed by medical experts.
To learn more about different urologic issues visit UrologyHealth.org/UrologicConditions. Go to UrologyHealth.org/FindAUrologist to find a doctor near you.
DISCLAIMER
This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. It is not to be used or relied on for that purpose. Please talk to your urologist or health care provider about your health concerns. Always consult a health care provider before you start or stop any treatments, including medications.
For copies of printed materials about Kindey Cancer and other urologic conditions, visit UrologyHealth.org/Order or call 800-828-7866.
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