Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in the U.S. But at Memorial Cancer Institute, your care isn’t routine. Our kidney cancer specialists carefully evaluate your situation to create a customized plan that works best for you.
Kidney Cancer Treatment at Memorial Cancer Institute: Why Choose Us
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can turn your life upside down. That’s why we focus on meeting both your physical and emotional needs with complete kidney cancer care. With our program, you experience:
- World leading experts: Our team includes fellowship-trained urologic oncologists, which means they completed the highest level of training in urology and kidney cancer care. Our chief of Urologic Cancer has helped pioneer and published extensively on robotic partial nephrectomy which allows preservation of the health part of the kidney while removing the cancer with minimal incisions allowing patients to go home the same or next day after their surgery.
- Minimally invasive kidney surgery: Our urology surgeons offer leading-edge surgical care, including robotic-assisted nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy. Due to the precision of a steady robotic arm, robotic surgery requires only tiny keyhole incisions. You benefit from a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss and a faster recovery.
- Collaborative care: At Memorial Cancer Institute, you have a team of experts on your side. Our multispecialty tumor board meets regularly to discuss the best ways to treat individual patients. We gather expertise from a range of kidney cancer specialists to create your treatment plan.
- Integrative medicine options: We take a whole-person approach to cancer care that helps you during treatment and beyond. From acupuncture to yoga, we offer a variety of services designed to help you feel better.
- Convenient appointments: We know it’s difficult to wait when you need to see a doctor. Our specialists see most patients within days, not weeks.
Kidney Cancer Diagnosis
Kidney tumors don’t always cause symptoms. That’s why doctors often find kidney cancer incidentally, or when they’re not looking for it. For example, the tumor may show up on an imaging test when a doctor ordered the test for something else.
The right tests, paired with skilled doctors to evaluate the results, lead to an accurate diagnosis. At Memorial Cancer Institute, we have the specialists and technology to find and analyze kidney cancers. We carefully review your test results, discuss your options and craft the next steps for your treatment. Your tests may include:
- Blood tests: We take a sample of your blood to check for signs of cancer.
- CT scan: This imaging test uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
- Kidney tumor biopsy: Your doctor performs a surgical procedure to remove a small piece of the kidney tumor. We analyze the sample in a lab to determine the type of tumor.
- MRI: High-powered magnets and a computer create images of the inside of your body without radiation.
- Ultrasound: This noninvasive imaging test uses sound waves to view your organs and tissues.
- Urine tests: Doctors check a sample of your urine for signs of infection or blood.
Kidney Cancer Treatment in South Florida
Our urologic oncologists have completed the highest level of training in kidney cancer treatment. From careful monitoring to complex surgery, we have the skill to provide effective and complete care for all types of kidney tumors. Your care plan may include:
- Active Surveillance
- Partial Nephrectomy
- Radical Nephrectomy
Active Surveillance
Active surveillance may be an option for kidney tumors that are small and not at risk of spreading. With active surveillance, our kidney cancer specialists watch the tumor for signs of growth or change. You have regular follow-up visits with your doctor to ensure the tumor isn’t spreading or getting bigger.
Many people benefit from active surveillance when surgery isn’t necessary. Our doctors have decades of experience treating kidney cancer, allowing them to recognize even the smallest changes in tumors.
Partial Nephrectomy
Partial nephrectomy removes the kidney tumor while sparing the healthy part of the kidney. This surgery helps to preserve long-term kidney function while still removing the cancer and margins (surrounding areas).
Our highly trained urologic surgeons perform this surgery with minimally invasive methods, including laparoscopic and robotic techniques. Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy can get you back on your feet sooner. The procedure uses smaller incisions, which can lead to less post-surgery pain and a faster recovery.
Radical Nephrectomy
Certain kidney tumors may require radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney). Our urological surgeons have performed thousands of these surgeries, using minimally invasive approaches whenever possible.
Many people are candidates for robotic-assisted nephrectomy or laparoscopic nephrectomy. These methods require smaller incisions, so you’re able to get back to your activities sooner.
Robotic surgeries can only be performed by a urologic surgeon who has completed training in these advanced methods. Our surgeons carefully evaluate the size, location and type of the tumor to determine the best surgical method for you.
Make an Appointment
Our urologic cancer specialists see patients throughout South Florida. To schedule an appointment, please call 305-682-2580.
