- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
- (219) 286-6888
- 1101 Glendale Blvd., Unit 107 A, Valparaiso, Indiana, 46383
Kidneys are paired organs that filter blood and excrete waste products via urine. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure, acid-base balance and produce some important hormones.
There are many different types of kidney tumors, some are cancerous (malignant) and others are non cancerous or benign. Cancer of the kidney is common in people who are overweight, have high blood pressure, smoke cigarettes and/or have a strong family history of kidney cancer.
Fortunately, most kidney cancers are discovered incidentally on imaging studies performed for other reasons. They are also often discovered when they are small and amenable to minimally invasive treatments.
Depending on its size and location, kidney cancer may or may not cause any symptoms. Some symptoms may include:
Imaging in the form of CT scan, MRI and Ultrasound are the most common ways used to evaluate the kidneys for possible kidney cancer. Importantly, these studies may suggest cancer but are not diagnostic of cancer.
Biopsy may occasionally be performed to determine the nature of the kidney growth.
Surgical intervention is the most common method of kidney cancer treatment. When the cancer is small, a partial nephrectomy (removal of only the cancer while sparing the remainder of the unaffected kidney) can be performed. For larger tumors, a complete nephrectomy or kidney removal, may be required.
Ablative therapy, which utilizes extreme temperatures to destroy cancer tissue, may also be an option in treating kidney cancer.
Immunotherapy may be necessary for some locally advanced kidney cancer or cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Risk factors for developing kidney cancer may include, but are not limited to, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, obesity and family history of kidney cancer.
Most kidney cancers are diagnosed in the early stages, usually stages I and II. Similar to other cancers, there are a total of IV stages of kidney cancer. Stage IV generally denotes cancer that has spread or metastasized to other parts of the body.
Yes, if caught early kidney cancer has a high chance of cure with appropriate treatments. Similar to other cancers, kidney cancer may recur in the future and it is, therefore, recommended that you undergo close observation.
We are dedicated to compassionate and comprehensive urologic care, offering you necessary and appropriate evaluations and treatments that you may need to feel and be healthy. With years of experience in urologic care, we are the team that you can trust.
Urologic Surgery of NWI is your source of reliable information and excellent urologic cancer care in the region. We closely collaborate with our radiation oncology and medical oncology colleagues to improve your cancer outcomes. Please contact us today to schedule your consultation appointment.
We will work together to jointly find the best treatment plan for you. We respect your wishes and are here to empower you to make your own decisions regarding your health and well being. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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