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Kidney Cancer

Center for Advanced Urology & Robotics

Bassem Eldaif, MD, FACS

Urologist located in Melbourne, FL

The treatments for kidney cancer are most effective in the early stages. At the Center for Advanced Urology & Robotics, experienced urologist Dr. Bassem Eldaif offers screenings and treatment for kidney cancer to the men and women in and around Melbourne, Florida. Call his office or book an appointment online to learn more about the specific surgical and nonsurgical therapies to treat kidney cancer.

Kidney Cancer Q & A

What are the signs of kidney cancer?

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for approximately 90% of all adult cases. You rarely experience symptoms when kidney cancer first develops but may notice one or more of the following symptoms as the disease progresses:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Tiredness
  • Pain in the back or side
  • Blood in the urine

 

Who’s at risk of developing kidney cancer?

Your risk of developing kidney cancer increases as you age. Smokers and adult men and women who are obese have higher incidences, too. Other risk factors include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Certain inherited syndromes
  • A family history of kidney cancer
  • Treatment for kidney failure
  • Exposure to certain chemicals or herbicides

You can reduce your risk of the disease by controlling high blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting tobacco use.

 

How’s kidney cancer diagnosed?

Early diagnosis and management can lead to successful remission of kidney cancer. To screen for kidney cancer, Dr. Eldaif may use blood and urine tests, imaging tests, or recommend a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of your kidney tissue and sending it to a lab for analysis.

 

How’s kidney cancer treated?

Dr. Eldaif provides you with a personalized treatment plan that’s based on the specifics of your case. He may recommend one or more of the following.

Nephrectomy (partial or total nephrectomy)

In many cases, Dr. Eldaif recommends robotic surgery to perform a nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy. During a full nephrectomy, he removes the whole kidney, but you can still lead a full life with one. During a partial nephrectomy, he removes only the cancerous part of the kidney and is preferred when possible.

 

Focal Cryoablation

Focal cryoablation involves freezing the cancer cells to kill them. During this procedure, Dr. Eldaif inserts a hollow needle into the kidney tumor using image guidance such as ultrasound. The cold gas in the needle targets the cancer cells to cool and destroy them.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

In advanced cases of kidney cancer, Dr. Eldaif may recommend a multidisciplinary approach with the Medical Oncologist for further treatments beyond surgery or cryoablation. He takes the time and enjoys collaborating with his medical and radiation oncology colleagues in order to help you determine the best course of treatment for your case.

 

For more information about kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment, call the Center for Advanced Urology and Robotics or book an appointment online