Treatment For Kidney Cancer In Glens Falls, NY

Kidney masses are growths found in or on the kidney. While some are benign (non-cancerous), others may represent kidney cancer. Many kidney masses are discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for other reasons. At our Glens Falls practice, we provide thorough evaluation, clear education, and individualized management plans for patients with kidney masses.

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Evaluation of a Kidney Mass

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The first step after discovering a kidney mass is to determine its nature and whether it requires treatment. Evaluation often includes:

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• Medical history and physical exam to assess risk factors and overall health

• Imaging studies: CT scan or MRI is the most accurate way to characterize kidney masses and determine size, location, and appearance

• Blood and urine tests: To check kidney function and rule out other contributing conditions

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In select cases, a kidney biopsy may be recommended to obtain tissue for diagnosis, though some masses can be accurately assessed based on imaging alone. Biopsy for kidney masses is a nuanced discussion that is often dependent on patient and surgeon preferences and is a topic we will spend time discussing while in the office. 

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Management of Kidney Cancer

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Management of kidney cancer is guided by the stage of the tumor (how large it is, whether it has spread beyond the kidney, and whether lymph nodes or other organs are involved) as well as the patient’s overall health and kidney function. For localized kidney cancer, the goal is to remove or destroy the tumor while preserving as much kidney function as possible. For more advanced cases, additional therapies may be necessary.

• Active surveillance: Small, slow-growing kidney masses may be monitored with periodic imaging and labs, especially in older patients or those with other medical conditions.

• Ablative therapies: Treatments such as cryoablation (freezing) or radiofrequency ablation (heating) may be used to destroy smalls tumor without removing the kidney.

• Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Removal of just the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue, preserving the remainder of the kidney when feasible

• Radical Nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney, typically for larger or more complex tumors in patients with a normal kidney on the other side. Most people will live normal lives with one remaining kidney 

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There are a few priorities when surgically treating patients with potential kidney cancers. 1) your safety 2) ensuring oncologic control of the cancer 3) preserving as much kidney function as possible and lastly 4) doing the surgery as minimally invasive as possible. If patient or tumor risk factors make it so that robotic surgery may be difficult, these procedures can also be done through a larger open incision. The decision depends on tumor characteristics, kidney function, and patient health.

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We stay current with the latest advances in kidney cancer treatment, including less invasive options and strategies that preserve kidney function whenever possible. Our goal is to provide expert, compassionate care for patients in Glens Falls, Saratoga, and the surrounding Capital and Adirondack regions. If you have been diagnosed with a kidney mass, contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your management options.