Kidney Cancer
Minimally Invasive Approach to Kidney Cancer May Be Better Option
Early-stage kidney cancer patients now have a non-surgical, kidney-sparing treatment option. Ablation is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure, performed by a vascular interventional radiologist.
Ablation Targets Tumor, Spares Healthy Tissue
Kidney cancer ablation is performed through a tiny pinhole incision in the patient's back, allowing the physician to access the tumor directly. Using specialized CAT scan equipment, the physician passes a specially designed needle into the skin and guides it precisely to the location of the tumor, avoiding damage to normal kidney tissue. Once the tip of the needle is confirmed to be in the tumor, the physician either uses extreme cold or extreme heat to destroy the tumor.
When the ablation is complete, the needle is removed and a Band-Aid® is applied to the incision site. The entire treatment typically lasts 1-2 hours. The patient goes home the same day, rests for a 1-2 days, and can then return to normal activities.
Why Choose SLUCare for Kidney Cancer Treatment?
- We are minimally invasive image-guided specialists. Our fellowship-trained doctors offer expertise in early-stage kidney cancer ablation.
- With our approach, you keep your kidney. By using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, we can precisely eradicate cancer cells while preserving kidney function. This is especially important in cases of borderline kidney function or for patients with only one kidney.
- Collaboration assures comprehensive care. SLUCare interventional radiologists work with urologists and oncologists to determine who is a good candidate for ablation so we can deliver the best possible outcome.