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Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer most often arises in the kidney substance itself. Many tumours are found on imaging done for other reasons; others present with blood in the urine, flank pain, or a mass. Staging helps decide whether removal of the whole kidney (total nephrectomy) or only the tumour (partial nephrectomy) is appropriate, and whether a laparoscopic or open approach is used.

Partial nephrectomy aims to clear the tumour while preserving as much working kidney as possible. Suitability for keyhole surgery depends on tumour size, location, and overall health, and is decided with your urologist.

Procedures

  • Laparoscopic / open total nephrectomy (removal of kidney)
  • Laparoscopic / open partial nephrectomy (removal of tumour)