Overview

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow within the kidney and form a tumor. While some kidney tumors cause symptoms, many are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for unrelated reasons.

Advances in imaging and minimally invasive treatment now allow some kidney tumors to be treated without major surgery. Depending on tumor size, location, overall health, and treatment goals, patients may have several treatment options available.

ELMNT IR works closely with urologists, oncologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians to provide image-guided treatment options that can complement or provide an alternative to traditional surgical approaches in select patients.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

Early kidney cancers often produce few symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Blood in the urine
• Flank or back pain
• A mass or fullness in the side
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fever
• Abnormal imaging findings

Many kidney tumors are diagnosed before symptoms develop.

When to Seek Treatment

Patients with a known or suspected kidney tumor should be evaluated promptly to determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.

Treatment decisions may depend on:

• Tumor size
• Tumor location
• Kidney function
• Overall health
• Other medical conditions
• Patient preferences

How Kidney Cancer is Diagnosed

Diagnosis typically involves:

• CT or MRI imaging
• Ultrasound in select cases
• Blood and urine testing
• Biopsy when appropriate
• Consultation with specialists involved in cancer care

ELMNT IR works closely with referring physicians to determine whether minimally invasive treatment options may be appropriate.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the characteristics of the tumor and overall patient health.

Options may include:

• Active surveillance for select tumors
• Partial or total nephrectomy
• Systemic therapy
• Radiation therapy in select cases
• Interventional oncology procedures
• Tumor ablation

A Minimally Invasive Option

For select patients, Tumor Ablation offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.

Using advanced imaging guidance, tumor ablation destroys cancerous tissue through heat or cold while preserving surrounding healthy tissue whenever possible.

Key advantages include:

• No large surgical incision
• Preservation of kidney tissue
• Outpatient or short-stay treatment
• Faster recovery than surgery
• Option for patients who may not be ideal surgical candidates

👉Learn more about Tumor Ablation 

Interventional Oncology at ELMNT IR

Interventional oncology uses image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat cancer through highly targeted therapies.

These treatments are often performed through small access sites and can complement surgery, radiation, or systemic therapies.

👉 Learn more about Interventional Oncology Procedures

Who is a Candidate

You may be a candidate for minimally invasive treatment if:

• You have a small or localized kidney tumor
• Surgery carries increased risk
• Preserving kidney function is important
• Your physician believes image-guided treatment may be appropriate

A consultation and imaging review are required.

Why ELMNT IR

• Specialized expertise in image-guided cancer therapies
• Advanced tumor ablation capabilities
• Coordination with referring physicians and oncology teams
• Outpatient environment focused on patient comfort and efficiency

Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer or a kidney tumor, ELMNT IR can help determine whether minimally invasive treatment options may be appropriate.

📩 Request a consultation or speak with your physician about a referral.