Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer ranks among the top 10 cancers in both men and women in the United States, with more than 63,000 diagnoses each year. For comprehensive assessment and treatment of kidney cancer, the team at Charleston Oncology brings years of combined experience and the most cutting-edge treatments available to patients.
Kidney Cancer Q & A
What are the most common types of kidney cancer?
A full 90% of kidney cancer diagnoses are tied back to renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This type of cancer presents itself as a tumor in your kidney (sometimes more than one) and can affect one or both kidneys.
The other forms of kidney cancer that make up the remaining 10% of diagnoses include:
- Transitional cell carcinoma
- Wilms tumor
- Renal sarcoma
Kidney tumors are not always cancerous as benign tumors can also develop in these organs.
How is kidney cancer diagnosed?
The symptoms of kidney cancer are also the symptoms of many other problems, such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones. If you’re having problems with the function of your kidneys, and your doctor has ruled out other causes, the team at Charleston Oncology works diligently to uncover the root of your problem.
To do this, they first turn to diagnostic imaging, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans. They also test your blood and urine for any markers of cancer.
If they confirm the presence of a tumor, the next step is staging the cancer, which follows this progression:
- Stage I – The tumor is less than 2 ¾ inches and it’s confined to your kidney
- Stage II – The tumor is larger, but still confined to your kidney
- Stage III – The tumor affects the tissue surrounding your kidney and nearby lymph nodes
- Stage IV – The cancer spreads to distant parts of your body
Once your doctor determines the stage of your cancer, they come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
How is kidney cancer treated?
In most cases, surgery is the treatment of choice for kidney cancer in order to remove the tumor. Since you can function perfectly well with just one kidney, your surgeon may remove all, or part of, your kidney in order to fully remove the cancer.
If your kidney cancer is advanced or recurs, you may need to undergo further treatments, including:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Clinical trials
You can be assured that your doctor at Charleston Oncology will get you the treatment you need.
To get the best in kidney cancer care, call Charleston Oncology to schedule a consultation.
Send UsA Message
A Grateful Patient’s Breast Cancer Journey
I am currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer at Roper St. Francis Hospital and would like to acknowledge two physicians who truly embody your mission of “healing with compassion, faith and excellence”.
National Cancer Survivor Month
Please join Charleston Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in support of National Survivor Month, celebrating those who have fought the disease and those currently in treatment.
National Cancer Survivor Month
June is National Cancer Survivor Month and throughout the month we are honoring our brave patients and sharing their inspirational stories.
Melanoma Prevention and Awareness
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes (the cells that give the skin its tan or brown color) start to grow out of control. Watch the video to learn more about melanoma from Charleston Oncology’s Dr. Charles S. Holladay.
Tips for Diagnosing Breast Cancer Early
Dr. Shelly Shand shares important tips for diagnosing breast cancer early and the latest advancements in breast cancer.
Staying Aware for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Staying Aware for Breast Cancer Awareness monthCharleston Oncology is proud to sponsor Staying Aware for Breast Cancer Awareness month in conjunction with WCIV News Channel 4. We continue to partner with our community to ensure that every woman has the best chance of...
