Kidney tumors are usually detected by imaging (ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan) due to urination of blood or as an accidental discovery on imaging for other reasons.

 

The treatment depends on the following:

• The size and location of the tumor

• Presence of any metastases

 

SURGICAL TREATMENT

 

If the urologist decides that the tumor needs surgery, there are two options:

1. Partial nephrectomy: only the tumor is removed and we speak of a 'kidney-sparing' procedure, in which as much healthy kidney tissue as possible is spared.

2. Radical nephrectomy: the entire kidney is removed, because the above 'kidney-sparing' procedure is not possible.

 

In our department, the above procedures are normally carried out via a robot procedure.
This is a 'keyhole surgery', which takes place via 5 small incisions. The great advantage of this technique is that the patient experiences less pain, recovers faster from the procedure and has smaller scars.

 

It is rare to opt for a classic 'open' procedure, which can be chosen in advance or, in rare cases, may prove necessary during keyhole surgery. An incision is made on the side of the body below the level of the ribs.

 

 

SYSTEMIC TREATMENT

 

If unfortunately there is already metastatic disease, a systemic treatment can be suggested by the urologist. This means that we will try to control or slow down the disease by means of medication. Possibilities are: immunotherapy or angiogenesis inhibitors (= medication that slows down the formation of new blood vessels to the tumor).