Kidney Cancer Specialist

What causes kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when cells in your kidneys begin to mutate and develop abnormally. While the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, there are a number of risk factors that are commonly associated with the condition.

These risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Long-term dialysis treatment
• Aging
• Heredity

If one or more of these risk factors apply to you, it could put you at increased risk for kidney cancer. To manage your risks, it's important to discuss your medical history and overall health with an experienced physician like the urologists at Urology Specialist Group.

What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?

Generally, kidney cancer goes undetected in its early forms. Although they usually don’t arise until the later stages, there are a few common symptoms that may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Back pain
• Fatigue
• Intermittent fever
• Loss of appetite
• Unexpected weight loss

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of kidney cancer, it's important to speak with an experienced urologist at the Urology Specialist Group as soon as possible. The team has over 30 years of combined experience diagnosing and treating patients with kidney and bladder cancer.

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

Kidney cancer can be diagnosed through a number of methods. These methods are not only used to diagnose the condition, but also to determine the stage of the cancer.

Blood test

Blood tests are used to detect any abnormal cells in your blood. Although blood tests can’t provide an accurate diagnosis on their own, they give your urologist a good snapshot of your overall health.

Urine test

Similar to the blood test, the urine test uses a sample of your urine to detect any abnormal cells. The urine test is often the first method your urologist uses to check for abnormalities in your bladder.

Biopsy

Biopsies are performed by taking a sample of your kidney that appears abnormal. This test allows your urologist to take a good look at your kidney tissue and determine the presence of cancerous cells.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests like a CT scan or ultrasound are used to develop a digital image of your kidneys. Imaging tests allow your urologist to view tumors and other abnormalities that can’t be seen otherwise.

How is kidney cancer treated?

There are a number of surgical and nonsurgical options for treating kidney cancer. Your urologist helps you determine the best treatment method for your individual condition and personal health. For patients requiring surgery, the Urology Specialist Group offers robotic surgery that allows for effective and minimally invasive procedures.

Nonsurgical methods for treating kidney cancer include cryoablation, a process that freezes cancer cells, and radiofrequency ablation that uses radiofrequency heat to burn and destroy cancer cells.

To learn more about screenings and treatment options for kidney cancer, call the urology Specialist Group or schedule an appointment online today.