What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer is a malignant growth that arises from any of the cells that make up the kidney. There are multiple types of cancers that are from the kidney and they vary in their aggressiveness. Kidney cancer rarely presents with symptoms until the late stages. Some of these symptoms may include blood in the urine, flank pain, or general weakness. Most kidney cancers are found incidentally when imaging studies are ordered for other reasons. If a renal mass is found, prompt urologic evaluation is necessary.
Evaluation
If necessary, further imaging studies will be ordered to clarify the mass. Additional blood tests may be ordered to determine the baseline risks.
Treatment
Primary treatment for this condition is surgical removal of the mass, either by complete removal of the kidney or just removal of the mass (nephron sparring).