Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is one of the more common urologic cancers in adults. Most cases start in the kidney’s filtering units and are found on imaging before they spread.
At Riverstone Urology Specialists in Cypress, Russell Libby, MD evaluates kidney masses with a focus on early diagnosis, kidney preservation, and long term health.
What Is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, starts when cells in the kidney grow in an uncontrolled way and form a tumor. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma, which begins in the tiny tubules that filter blood.
The Kidneys
- Sit high in the back of the abdomen on each side of the spine
- Filter waste and extra fluid from the blood
- Help control blood pressure, red blood cell production, and mineral balance
Kidney tumors range from small, slow growing lesions to aggressive cancers that spread to lymph nodes, lungs, bones, or liver. Many kidney tumors are found incidentally during CT or ultrasound studies done for other reasons.
Symptoms Of Kidney Cancer
Some people feel well and have no symptoms. Others notice changes once the tumor grows larger or spreads.
Common Symptoms Include
- Blood in the urine, which can appear pink, red, or cola colored
- Constant or recurring pain in the side or lower back, usually below the ribs
- A lump or fullness in the side or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or early fullness
- Fatigue and low energy
- Intermittent fevers without a clear infection
- Swelling of the ankles or legs
If cancer spreads, new symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough with blood, or bone pain sometimes appear.
These symptoms also occur with kidney stones, infections, or benign cysts. A proper workup is the only way to sort them out.
Risk Factors
The exact trigger for kidney cancer is unclear, but several factors increase risk.
Key Risk Factors
- Older age, especially after age sixty
- Smoking history
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Long term dialysis for kidney failure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Inherited conditions such as von Hippel Lindau syndrome
- Exposure to certain workplace chemicals
Men have a higher rate of kidney cancer than women.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop cancer, but it does make regular follow up more important.
When To See Dr. Libby
Schedule A Visit With Riverstone Urology If You Notice
- Blood in your urine, even once
- Persistent or recurring pain in your side or lower back without an obvious injury
- A lump or fullness in your flank or abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss, fevers, or fatigue
- Repeated “kidney infections” or “UTIs” without a clear explanation
You should also see a urologist if an imaging study done for another reason reports a “renal mass” or “kidney lesion.” Many of these findings turn out to be benign, but each one deserves a structured review and plan.
How Kidney Cancer Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis Starts With A Careful Review Of Your History, Then Moves Through A Set Of Standard Tests.
History And Physical Exam
Dr. Libby will ask about
- Urinary symptoms, blood in urine, or flank pain
- Prior imaging studies and kidney issues
- Smoking, blood pressure, and other health conditions
- Family history of kidney or other cancers
A focused exam checks your abdomen, flank, legs, and overall health.
Lab Tests
Typical tests include
- Blood work to review kidney function, blood counts, and other markers
- Urinalysis to look for blood, protein, or signs of infection
Imaging
Imaging is central in kidney cancer evaluation
- Ultrasound helps distinguish solid masses from simple cysts
- CT scan or MRI defines the size, location, and appearance of the tumor
- Chest imaging looks for spread to the lungs
Most kidney cancers are diagnosed based on imaging features. Biopsy is sometimes used when imaging is unclear or when targeted therapy is under consideration.
Staging And Treatment Planning
Most Patients See Significant Improvement With A Stepwise Plan. Treatment Builds From Conservative Options To More Advanced Therapies As Needed.
Once A Tumor Is Confirmed Or Strongly Suspected, Staging Describes How Far The Disease Has Spread. Staging Looks At
- Tumor size and depth of growth into or beyond the kidney
- Involvement of nearby veins or lymph nodes
- Evidence of spread to distant organs such as lungs, liver, bones, or brain
Treatment Decisions Depend On
- Tumor size and stage
- Appearance of the mass on imaging
- Function of each kidney
- Age and overall health
- Personal preferences and goals
Dr. Libby reviews these factors and outlines options in clear language so you understand tradeoffs before you decide.
Treatment Options At Riverstone Urology
Most localized kidney cancers are treated with surgery. Some small tumors are watched closely first, especially in older patients or those with serious medical problems. Advanced cancers often need systemic therapy in addition to local treatment.
Active Surveillance For Small Tumors
Small kidney masses, often less than four centimeters, sometimes grow slowly. In selected patients, Dr. Libby might recommend
- Regular imaging at set intervals
- Periodic lab tests and visits
Treatment is started if the tumor grows or shows more concerning features. This approach helps avoid surgery when risk from the mass stays low.
Partial Nephrectomy
When possible, Dr. Libby aims to remove only the tumor and preserve the rest of the kidney. This operation is called partial nephrectomy.
Benefits include
- Removal of the cancer with clear margins
- Preservation of healthy kidney tissue
- Better long term kidney function and lower risk of chronic kidney disease
Many partial nephrectomies use minimally invasive techniques with small incisions and robotic assistance for enhanced precision in complex tumors.
Radical Nephrectomy
Some tumors are too large, too centrally located, or too involved with nearby structures for partial removal. In those cases, the best option is a radical nephrectomy, which removes
- The entire kidney
- The surrounding fatty tissue
- Sometimes nearby lymph nodes or involved veins
Most people live normal lives with one functioning kidney, as long as the remaining kidney is healthy. Dialysis or transplant enters the discussion only when both kidneys are removed or severely damaged.
Ablation For Selected Small Tumors
For some small tumors in patients who face higher surgical risk, image guided ablation is an option. This method uses needles placed into the tumor under CT or ultrasound guidance. The needles deliver extreme cold or radiofrequency energy to destroy tumor cells.
Ablation is not right for every mass, but it provides a kidney sparing option for selected patients.
Systemic Therapy For Advanced Kidney Cancer
When kidney cancer spreads beyond the kidney, treatment often involves
- Targeted therapy that blocks specific growth signals and blood supply to the tumor
- Immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system attack cancer cells
- Combinations of these treatments
Radiation therapy sometimes treats painful bone lesions or other specific sites, although surgery and systemic therapy handle most of the disease burden.
Dr. Libby works with medical oncologists to coordinate a plan that fits your stage, prior treatments, and goals.
Kidney Cancer And Long Term Health
Treatment For Kidney Cancer Affects More Than The Tumor. Long Term Follow Up Pays Attention To
- Kidney function in the remaining tissue
- Blood pressure control
- Heart and vascular health
- Risk of recurrence or new tumors in either kidney
- Emotional health and adjustment after a cancer diagnosis
Follow Up Usually Includes
- Periodic imaging
- Regular lab tests
- Office visits to review symptoms, medications, and lifestyle
Healthy habits such as smoke-free living, weight management, blood pressure control, and regular activity support better outcomes over time.
Kidney Cancer Care At Riverstone Urology
At Riverstone Urology In Cypress, Serving The Greater Northwest Houston Region, You Receive
- Careful review of any kidney mass or imaging finding
- Clear explanations of your diagnosis and risk level
- A focus on kidney preservation through partial nephrectomy when safe
- Access to minimally invasive and robotic surgical options
- Coordination with oncology partners for advanced or recurrent disease
- Long term follow up that supports both cancer control and overall health
If you have blood in your urine, flank pain, an imaging report that mentions a kidney mass, or a known diagnosis of kidney cancer and want a second opinion, contact Riverstone Urology to schedule a consultation with Dr. Libby. Early, informed decisions give the strongest chance for effective treatment and a healthier future.