Kidney cancer
Partial and radical nephrectomy, with nephron-sparing surgery wherever the tumour allows it.
What it is
Most kidney cancers today are found by accident, on a scan done for something else. That is good news: incidental tumours tend to be smaller, and small tumours can often be removed while keeping the rest of the kidney working.
Preserving kidney tissue matters. Partial nephrectomy gives the same cancer control as removing the whole kidney in suitable tumours, while protecting long-term kidney function.
Symptoms you may notice
- Usually none — most are found incidentally on imaging
- Blood in the urine
- A dull, persistent ache in the flank
- A lump in the abdomen or flank
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats
- Persistent tiredness or anaemia
Get seen promptly if
- Visible blood in the urine at any age
- A renal mass reported on any scan
- New varicocele appearing on the left side in an adult
How it is assessed
- Contrast CT of the abdomen, or MRI where contrast cannot be given
- CT chest for staging
- Kidney function assessment, including split function where needed
- Biopsy in selected cases
- Tumour board discussion before a treatment recommendation
What the options actually involve
Other conditions
Bladder cancer
TURBT, intravesical therapy and radical cystectomy with urinary diversion, staged properly from the outset.
Symptoms and treatmentProstate enlargement (BPH)
Medical therapy through to laser enucleation and TURP, chosen against your symptom burden rather than prostate size alone.
Symptoms and treatmentUrinary incontinence & overactive bladder
Stress incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, prolapse and pelvic floor assessment for women of every age.
Symptoms and treatmentHave a scan or report about this already?
Send it before your appointment. The consultation then starts from your findings rather than from scratch.