Kidney Cancer Evaluation & Treatment in Glendale, CA

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a potentially serious but often treatable condition that typically begins in the lining of the kidney's small tubes. At our Glendale, CA urology clinic, we specialize in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney cancer using the latest minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques.

If you've noticed unusual symptoms like blood in the urine or persistent back pain, or if an imaging test has revealed a kidney mass, our board-certified urologists are here to help with expert, personalized care.

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the kidneys. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 90% of cases. Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms, which is why incidental findings on imaging tests are common.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Flank or lower back pain (especially on one side)

• Abdominal mass or swelling

• Fatigue or unexplained weight loss

• Fever not caused by infection

Many kidney cancers are detected during CT scans or ultrasounds done for unrelated health concerns.

How We Diagnose Kidney Cancer in Glendale

Our urology practice offers advanced diagnostics to evaluate kidney masses:

• Renal ultrasound

• CT urogram or MRI of the abdomen

• Urinalysis and blood tests

• Kidney biopsy (in select cases)

• Cross-sectional imaging to check for metastasis

We use these tools to determine the size, location, and spread of the tumor and create a personalized treatment plan.

Kidney Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and stage of the tumor, as well as your overall health. Our Glendale-based urologists offer:

• Active surveillance for small, slow-growing tumors

• Robotic or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (kidney-sparing surgery)

• Robotic/laparoscopic radical nephrectomy (complete removal of kidney)

• Ablation therapy (cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation)

• Coordination with oncology for immunotherapy or targeted therapy in advanced cases

We specialize in minimally invasive kidney surgery, which offers faster recovery, less pain, and smaller incisions.

Kidney Cancer FAQ – Your Questions Answered

What causes kidney cancer?

Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, family history of renal cancer, and certain genetic syndromes. Long-term dialysis and exposure to some workplace chemicals can also increase risk.

Is kidney cancer curable?

Yes — early-stage kidney cancer is often curable, especially when tumors are small and localized. Surgical removal of the tumor or affected kidney typically offers excellent long-term survival outcomes.

What is a partial nephrectomy?

A partial nephrectomy is a kidney-sparing surgery where only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are removed. This approach preserves kidney function and is commonly performed robotically or laparoscopically at our Glendale clinic.

When is a full kidney removal necessary?

A radical nephrectomy may be recommended when:

• The tumor is large or centrally located

• There's suspicion of spread beyond the kidney

• The remaining kidney is healthy and can support function

We use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible for better recovery.

Can I live with one kidney?

Yes. Many people live healthy lives with just one functioning kidney. After a nephrectomy, your remaining kidney typically adapts to perform the work of both kidneys.

Do all kidney masses mean cancer?

No. Some kidney masses are benign cysts or non-cancerous tumors. However, any new mass should be evaluated with imaging and monitored or biopsied as needed to rule out malignancy.

Do you treat kidney cancer patients from outside Glendale?

Absolutely. Our urology team cares for patients from Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, La Cañada, Eagle Rock, and throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. We offer second opinions and collaborate with local oncologists for advanced care when needed.