UROLOGY · CONDITIONS
Kidney Cancer
Malignant tumour of the kidney , often found incidentally on imaging. Highly curable with surgery when detected early, with nephron-sparing approaches preferred.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Kidney Cancer?
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common kidney malignancy in adults, frequently discovered incidentally on ultrasound or CT performed for another reason. Presentation with the classical triad of haematuria, loin pain, and a palpable mass is now rare. Surgery remains the cornerstone of curative treatment. Dr. Vipin prioritises nephron-sparing surgery , laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy , for all tumours where technically feasible, preserving maximum kidney tissue and reducing the long-term risk of chronic kidney disease.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Cigarette smoking , doubles risk
- Obesity and hypertension
- Family history of renal cell carcinoma
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (VHL mutation)
- Long-term dialysis and acquired cystic disease
- Occupational exposure to cadmium or asbestos
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
CT chest-abdomen-pelvis with contrast defines tumour size, vascularity, and staging.
Nephron-sparing surgery for tumours ≤7 cm , preserves the remaining kidney and reduces CKD risk.
Laparoscopic or robotic approach provides equivalent oncological outcomes with faster recovery.
Post-operative CT at 3 months, then annually for 5 years to detect recurrence early.
Standard RCC does not respond to chemotherapy. Targeted agents used for metastatic disease.
5-year survival >95% for stage I (T1a) disease treated with partial or radical nephrectomy.
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Laparoscopic / Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Nephron-sparing excision of the renal tumour through minimally invasive surgery , the gold standard for T1 kidney cancer, preserving kidney function with high oncological cure rates.
- 1
CT Staging
Multiphase CT scan characterises the renal mass, assesses vascular anatomy, and stages the disease. Renal function is measured with GFR.
- 2
Surgical Planning
Partial nephrectomy planned for all T1 tumours where feasible. RENAL nephrometry score guides complexity. Robotic approach chosen for central lesions.
- 3
Partial or Radical Nephrectomy
The tumour is excised laparoscopically or robotically with a margin of normal tissue. Radical nephrectomy used for large or locally advanced tumours.
- 4
Surveillance
Post-operative CT at 3 months confirms surgical margins. Annual surveillance imaging and renal function monitoring for 5 years.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy
Minimally invasive removal of the entire kidney for T2–T3 renal tumours , equivalent oncological control to open surgery with faster recovery.
Open Radical Nephrectomy
Open flank or transperitoneal nephrectomy for large, locally advanced, or IVC thrombus-bearing renal tumours requiring wide surgical access.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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