Kidney Cancer Treatments and Techniques | MedStar Health

Treatments for kidney cancer

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are situated in the back, just below the ribcage, on both sides of the body. Their job is to clean the blood from any impurities. This extra waste is sent to the bladder, where it is stored until urination. Approximately 30,000 cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed in the United States yearly, according to the American Cancer Society.

The MedStar Health specialists provide comprehensive care for kidney cancer including:

  • Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy

  • Open radical nephrectomy for large tumors

  • Partial nephrectomy for preservation of the kidney. This procedure can be done through traditional open surgery, laparoscopically, or through robotic surgery.

  • Small molecule targeted therapy for late-stage treatment

  • Palliative services

Fortunately, the treatment for kidney cancer has become technologically advanced. Sophisticated imaging scans like CTs and MRIs make finding smaller tumors easier. In some cases, your doctor will be able to determine if the mass on your kidney is malignant from a scan.

Minimally invasive techniques

One of the main goals of kidney cancer treatments is to use minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic and robotic surgeries to speed healing and recovery after surgery. During laparoscopic surgery, small instruments are placed into the abdomen and the kidney or part of the kidney is removed through smaller incisions. This often results in markedly reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quick resumption of normal activities than traditional surgery.

Our providers

Oncologist giving IV Drip Treatment to Cancer Patient

Expert oncology care

Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our oncologists.