Kidney Cancer Specialist

Huntington Urology Specialists Our Services Kidney Cancer

Huntington Urology Specialists

Urologists located in Pasadena, CA

The incidences of kidney cancer seem to be on the rise but modern treatments have not only increased survival but significantly improved quality of life. Our experts specialize in the most advanced surgical techniques with robotic surgery to remove tumors and preserve kidney function. If you have been diagnosed with an abnormality in your kidneys, you should consult Armen Dikranian, MD, Ramin Khalili, MD, and their team at Huntington Urology Specialists located in Pasadena, California. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn more kidney cancer diagnosis and treatments.

Kidney Cancer Q & A

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

In its earliest stages, kidney cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms. Later stages may manifest as:

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

If you’re exhibiting signs of kidney cancer, call Huntington Urology Specialists to get a proper diagnosis. 

What causes kidney cancer?

It’s unclear exactly what causes kidney cancer.

It’s known that your risk of developing kidney cancer increases as you age. Smokers and obese people also have a greater risk of developing the condition. Other factors that put you at risk include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of kidney cancer or inherited disorders, such as Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome
  • Exposure to specific herbicides or cadmium
  • Long-term dialysis to treat kidney failure

Being aware of your risk factors can help you detect kidney cancer early before it becomes severe. 

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

If a comprehensive physical exam and medical and family history make your provider suspect kidney cancer, they’ll likely order blood and urine tests. You may also undergo imaging tests, including an ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan. 

The providers at Huntington Urology Specialists may also perform a biopsy of your kidney by removing a small sampling of cells to be analyzed in a lab to test for the presence of irregular cells.

How is kidney cancer treated?

Kidney cancer is usually treated with robotic surgery that removes the affected cells, or the entire kidney, to prevent cancer from spreading. Radical nephrectomy removes the cancerous kidney and possibly nearby tissue.

In a partial nephrectomy, your provider can spare the kidney and remove just the tumor and a small area of healthy tissue that surrounds it. A partial nephrectomy is performed whenever possible to save the organ and prevent future complications.

The type of cancer treatment your provider recommends depends on your health and the stage and size of your cancer. When the cancer has not spread, surgery is likely a viable solution, which won't require radiation or chemotherapy after the fact in most cases. 

However, in some cases, kidney cancer recurs and may not be cured. It can be managed, however, with specific drugs, surgery, radiation, and complementary therapies.

To learn more about kidney cancer and treatment, call Huntington Urology Specialists or book an appointment online today.

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