Why Choose Us for Kidney Cancer Care
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, you receive expert, multidisciplinary care for kidney, or renal cell cancer through our Urologic Cancer Program. Your care team includes urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, radiologists, and supportive care teams. We work together to create a personalized, evidence-informed treatment plan that’s focused on your needs and goals. Our approach balances maximal cancer control with preservation of your renal function and quality of life.
"My doctor is a highly skilled and compassionate with expertise in kidney and other genitourinary cancers. I have been seeing him and his team for 6+ years and deeply appreciate them keeping me alive, literally."
Kidney Cancer Patient
Specialized Treatments
Treatment depends on cancer stage, location, and overall health. These are common options:
- Surgery, including partial or radical removal of the kidney or minimally invasive approaches
- Ablation, the heating or freezing of tumors, or focal therapies for small lesions
- Radiation therapy
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease
- Systemic therapies like chemotherapy
- Combination or sequential therapies as guided by teams of health care specialists
Our Expertise
As the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center serving the Mountain West, we’re here to offer you the latest treatments and the highest level of care available, including:
- Managing all subtypes of renal cell carcinoma
- Multidisciplinary tumor boards, or teams of health care specialists, to individualize treatment plans
- Access to state-of-the-art systemic and immunotherapy trials
- Emphasis on preserving renal function and minimizing treatment side effects
Patient Care Philosophy
We believe no one should face cancer alone. Our dedicated and world-renowned doctors, nurses, and medical staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care. We treat the whole person, not just their cancer.
Each day, our medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists work together across disciplines to create and coordinate treatment plans for every patient. We understand cancer is a complex disease. That is why we use a team approach that includes social workers and support groups, as well as wellness and integrative health services such as acupuncture, massage, creative arts, and more.
Find a Kidney Cancer Doctor
Kidney Cancer Research
Clinical Trials
Huntsman Cancer Institute is at the forefront of kidney cancer research. Our clinical trials investigate new treatments, combination therapies, and precision medicine approaches aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life. Participation in trials gives patients access to cutting-edge therapies under expert supervision.
Ongoing Research Programs
- Genomic and Molecular Studies: Identifying genetic mutations and molecular signatures that drive kidney cancer to develop targeted therapies.
- Immunotherapy Innovations: Testing new immune-based treatments and combinations to boost the body’s ability to fight cancer.
- Treatment Optimization Studies: Research to determine the safest and most effective use of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies.
- Long-term Survivorship Research: Studying kidney function, quality of life, and survivorship outcomes to improve patient care after treatment.
Our research team collaborates nationally and internationally to translate discoveries into practice, ensuring our patients benefit from the latest advancements in kidney cancer care.
Make an Appointment with a Kidney Cancer Specialist
To make an appointment with a Kidney Cancer specialist, fill out our appointment form or call 801-587-7000. Our team will determine if your insurance covers treatment at Huntsman Cancer Institute or if you need a referral from a primary care doctor.
External providers can refer a patient using the online referral form or by calling 801-587-7000 to speak to a patient registration specialist.
Kidney Cancer Basics
Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma, arises when malignant cells develop in the lining of the renal tubules inside the kidney.
These are warning signs of kidney cancer:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- A palpable lump or mass in the abdomen or side
- Persistent pain in the flank or side
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia or low red blood cell counts
- Loss of appetite or general malaise
Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any concerning signs, please schedule a screening today.
Risk factors for kidney cancer include:These are risk factors for kidney cancer:
- Personal or family history of kidney cancer
- Certain inherited genetic syndromes, such as (e.g. Von Hippel-Lindau disease or, hereditary papillary RCC)
- Smoking
- Being overweight / obesity
Understand your risk. Schedule a genetic counseling session today.
Diagnosis
To diagnose kidney cancer, providers may use:
- Physical exam and medical history
- Blood and urine laboratory tests to evaluate renal function and detect abnormalities
- CT, MRI, or ultrasound imaging with contrast or dyes to identify tumor extent
- Biopsy when needed to confirm sub type of cancer
Staging
Kidney cancer is staged according to how far it has grown within or beyond the kidney, and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs:
- Stage 1: Tumor ≤ 7 cm, confined to the kidney
- Stage 2: Tumor > 7 cm, still confined to the kidney
- Stage 3: Tumor of any size that has spread to regional lymph nodes, major blood vessels, or renal capsule/fat
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread beyond nearby structures to distant organs, known as metastasis (metastasis)
When kidney cancer spreads to another organ, the cells that spread remain classified as kidney cancer cells in the new location.
Need help navigating your care? The Cancer Learning Center is here to support you with personalized guidance, resources, and answers to your questions.
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