Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is among the top 10 most common cancers for men and women. New kidney cancer diagnoses have risen as it is being detected more frequently through CT scans. When caught early, it is treatable and the number of survivors in remission continues to grow.

The Riverside Cancer Institute is dedicated to fighting kidney cancer throughout our Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Frankfort, Watseka and surrounding Illinois and Western Indiana communities. Our specialized team includes board-certified nephrologists, urologists, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists and more – all working together to help you heal.

To request an appointment with specialist close to home, call (815) 933-9660. You can also find an oncologist anytime online.

About Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer starts when the cells of the kidneys mutate and form a tumor. Sometimes multiple tumors can form, break off and migrate to different parts of the body.

There are two main types of kidney cancer:

• Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for about 90 percent of cancerous tumors.  It starts in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney.
• Wilms’ tumor may develop in young children but is rare.

Kidney cancer does not usually cause signs or symptoms early on. In the later stages, signs can include blood in the urine, back pain that won’t go away, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue and intermittent fevers.

Prevention

If you have a family history of kidney or renal cancer, it is possible to test for hereditary cancer syndromes. As part of our Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment program, one of our genetic counselors can help you determine your risk and, if needed, help coordinate testing and any other preventive steps.

Detection & Diagnosis

Kidney cancer is usually found at more advanced stages because it can grow quite large before causing discomfort or pain. The majority of cases where kidney cancer is caught early is when the patient is being tested for other kidney issues. Depending on your specific symptoms, your doctor may recommend blood or urine tests, or imaging options like ultrasound or CT.

Personalized Treatment

If you find that you have kidney cancer, rest assured you have some of the region’s best experts by your side. Our dedicated team will work closely together with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Surgery to remove of all or part of the kidney is the main treatment for most kidney cancers. At Riverside, we offer both laparoscopic options and minimally invasive da Vinci® robotic surgery, which often offers significantly less pain and faster recovery.

Support for Every Step

We’re committed to providing the all the education, tools and resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of free or low-cost cancer support services, including nutritional, spiritual and financial counseling, rehabilitation, survivorship programs and more to meet your needs.