Kidney Cancer Surgery – Partial/Radical Nephrectomy
Kidney cancer surgery is an important treatment option for many people with localized kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma. Depending on the tumor’s size, location, stage, kidney function, and overall health, the surgical approach may involve removing only the tumor or the entire affected kidney.
Partial Nephrectomy
A partial nephrectomy, also called nephron-sparing surgery, removes the cancerous tumor along with a small margin of surrounding tissue while preserving the remaining healthy kidney. It is commonly considered for smaller or appropriately located tumors and can help preserve kidney function.
Radical Nephrectomy
A radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire affected kidney along with surrounding tissue and, when clinically necessary, nearby structures such as lymph nodes or the adrenal gland. It may be recommended when the tumor is larger, centrally located, or cannot be safely removed through partial nephrectomy.