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Kidney Cancer Q&A

What is kidney cancer?

Kidney or renal cancer develops because of abnormal cell growth. These cells undergo genetic changes that make them grow rapidly and live long past the typical lifespan of kidney cells.

Renal cell carcinoma affects the tiny tubes inside your kidneys and is the leading form of kidney cancer. Around 15% of adult kidney cancers are transitional cell carcinomas that form in your renal pelvis, the part of your kidney where urine gathers before passing into your bladder.

Some kidney cancers are low-grade, meaning they’re less aggressive and not as likely to metastasize (spread beyond the kidneys). High-grade kidney cancers develop quickly and are more likely to spread.

What causes kidney cancer?

Your chances of developing kidney cancer are higher if you have any of the following risk factors:

  • Chronic high blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • Obesity
  • Overuse of some pain medicines
  • Having von Hippel-Lindau syndrome or tuberous sclerosis

Most people are close to 64 when they develop kidney cancer, and the disease is rare in those under 45.

What symptoms does kidney cancer cause?

Kidney cancer rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do develop, they may include:

  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Anemia (lack of iron in the blood)
  • Chronic fatigue
  • A lump in the abdomen

You might also have persistent pain in your side, back, or abdomen.

How is kidney cancer treated?

The Pasadena Urological Medical Group team works with your oncologist (cancer specialist) to provide comprehensive treatment. The therapies that are right for you depend on the type of kidney cancer, how advanced it is, and factors like your age and general health. Options include:

  • Renal tumor ablation
  • Targeted therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are a common treatment for many cancers. However, kidney cancer cells are often resistant, so this treatment has limited use.

Would I need surgery for kidney cancer?

The Pasadena Urological Medical Group team can perform several surgeries for kidney cancer. These include kidney-sparing surgery using segmental resection, laparoscopic kidney removal, and partial or radical nephrectomy.

Dr. Chandrasoma at Pasadena Urological Medical Group is the only fellowship-trained robotic surgeon in Pasadena who provides surgical intervention for the minimally invasive management of kidney cancer.

Kidney removal and reconstruction is a particular area of interest for Dr. Chandrasoma. He has extensive experience in segmentally clamped and clampless partial nephrectomy (removing only the diseased section of the kidney).

If you have symptoms of kidney cancer, call Pasadena Urological Medical Group or book an appointment online today.