“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
-John 16:33
We’ve all likely experienced hardships in life. Unfortunately for some, the diagnosis of kidney cancer is one such hardship. We know how unnerving hearing the word “cancer” can be, but our team is here for you every step of the way. How comforting it is to know that no matter what comes in this life, we have an unwavering hope and assurance that we aren’t alone.
At AdventHealth, we care for all of you in body, mind and spirit, and our expert care team provides you with the whole-person health care you deserve. Read on to hear from one of our urology experts, Tony Highshaw, MD, and learn what you need to know about kidney cancer.
What Is Kidney Cancer?
Your kidneys are two small bean-shaped organs that remove waste from your blood and produce urine. These small but mighty organs have a big role to play in your overall health. Kidney cancer occurs when cells in your kidneys begin to grow out of control. When this happens, it damages the organs and can spread to other parts of your body, leading to long-term health problems.
For your kidney health, Dr. Highshaw says, “A patient should see a urologist. The work-up and management of the kidneys are usually performed by a urologist either directly or through referral of the patient.” It’s important that you see the right doctor for your health needs.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer
Symptoms of kidney cancer can include:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the side or back that doesn’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Dr. Highshaw explains, “Kidney cancer sometimes goes undetected because the triad of symptoms rarely occurs together. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, which is called hematuria,” reminding us how important it is to see your doctor if you are experiencing any signs of kidney cancer or have any health concerns.
The good news about kidney cancer is if it’s detected early, it’s curable. We know going to the doctor can bring anxiety for many people, but there is great value in regularly getting check-ups and screenings. “Most kidney cancers are found incidentally on CT scans obtained for other reasons, so many are caught early and curable when found,” explains Dr. Highshaw.
Risk Factors
You could be at high risk of kidney cancer if:
- You are obese
- You are older
- You have a family history of kidney cancer
- You smoke tobacco
It’s important to know if you’re at risk of kidney cancer so you can take the best next step in prevention. You can rest knowing that we’re here for you every step of the way.
Treatment and Prevention
There are a variety of treatment options for kidney cancer. These include:
- Full nephrectomy
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Partial nephrectomy
- Thermal ablation
According to Dr. Highshaw, “The treatment options for kidney cancer are geared toward preservation of kidney function, along with curative procedures through minimally invasive surgery. The treatment depends upon the size of the kidney cancer at diagnosis.” That’s why it’s important that you stay on top of your health and regularly visit your doctor. Doing so can prevent kidney cancer from worsening and minimize more serious procedures.
You can also take preventive measures to guard yourself against kidney cancer. “In general, a heart-healthy diet is a prevention for cancer, including no tobacco use, a diet rich in vegetables and fruit while maintaining a good exercise regimen,” says Dr. Highshaw. These are all practical steps you can include daily to reduce your chances of developing kidney cancer.
Nephrectomy
A nephrectomy is a robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery used to treat kidney cancer. A partial nephrectomy is when the doctor removes the mass of cancerous cells called a tumor but doesn’t remove the entire kidney.
A full nephrectomy is when the whole kidney is removed. Dr. Highshaw tells us, “I use the da Vinci® XI robot, which is available at our AdventHealth hospitals. This robot-assisted surgery involves using small instruments, small incisions and precise movements to remove the cancer safely.”
Dr. Highshaw assures us, “The path to recovery is 1 to 2 weeks after robotic surgery.” This procedure reduces pain and blood loss and allows the patient to return to normal activities faster than other operations.
Your Partner in Whole-Person Health
From initial screenings to treatment options, trust that we’re here to care for you in body, mind and spirit. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tony Highshaw, visit us here. You deserve the best in whole-person health care.
