Kidney Cancer Treatment in Sarasota, FL

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer is also known as renal cancer. The cancerous cells tend to begin in the tiny tubes of the kidney, which is diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma, hence the name “renal cancer”. Luckily, in most cases, kidney cancer is found before they spread. Kidney cancer is actually the 6th most common cancer in men, but women can get kidney cancer, too. About only 4% of cancer cases are diagnosed to be kidney cancer, however this tends to affect a specific demographic, so understanding risk factors is very important.

Dr. Daniel Kaplon provides comprehensive testing and treatment for kidney cancer at his urology clinic in Sarasota, FL. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney cancer or would like to speak with a specialist, please call (941) 917-5400 to schedule your consultation. Dr. Kaplon is fellowship trained in robotic and laparoscopic surgery and has extensive experience with minimally invasive approaches to urologic oncology. Due to his expertise many patients drive from all over St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas.

What Are the Risks of Getting Kidney Cancer?

It’s very unlikely that you’ll get kidney cancer if you don’t fall into a couple of these categories:

  • Over the age of 50
  • Smoker
  • Male
  • Obese
  • You have advanced kidney disease
  • Family history of kidney cancer
  • High blood pressure
  • African American

Keep in mind, having these risk factors doesn’t mean that any of them cause kidney cancer on their own, they just increase the risk of it happening. However, if you can remove some of these risk factors, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting kidney cancer, such as losing weight, quitting smoking and reducing blood pressure. Those ones specifically also have a plethora of other health benefits.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is among the top 10 cancers found in men. About 40,000 new cases are reported each year, with a majority of them being in men over 40, who fall into the high-risk category. The good news is that there’s a very high survival rate, so it’s important to look for the warning signs to diagnose the disease early. The most common symptoms tend to show up in the lower back area, or are evident in urine.

Blood in your urine

This is the most common symptom and typically the earliest sign of kidney cancer. Even the slightest amount of blood will affect the color of your urine, giving it either a brown or pink discoloration. You may also experience difficult or painful urination.

Pain or discomfort in your side or back of the abdomen

This is a persistent, strong pain in your side that may be accompanied by a lump as well.

A loss of appetite

Kidney cancer may cause a loss of appetite and in turn a sudden weight loss not caused by conscious dieting.

An unexplained fever lasting longer than normal

This fever is different than others as it typically lasts for weeks and there isn’t a specific cause to associate it with such as a cold or other infection.

Extreme fatigue and weakness

People with kidney cancer experience constant and extreme tiredness and a feeling of weakness throughout the body.

How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?

First, Dr. Kaplon will conduct a physical exam and discuss with you your medical history and current symptoms. If they think it warrants you getting an exam, they will most likely refer you to a radiologist to get a CT scan, PET scan, MRI or ultrasound. Other exams also include a biopsy, blood tests and a few others. Make sure you discuss your exam options with Dr. Kaplon.

CT and MRI exams are typically used to detect the staging of the cancer if it exists, where there are 4 staging groups of kidney cancer, with categories underneath.

How is Kidney Cancer Treated?

For a majority of patients who are diagnosed with kidney cancer, robotic surgery will be the procedure of choice. Specifically, the da Vinci Nephrectomy procedure is very effective in removing cancerous tissue while inflicting minimal side effects on the patient themselves. Each case is very unique, so patients will need to consult with Dr. Kaplon about all available treatment options and which method will be best for them specifically.

Schedule a Consultation for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Sarasota, FL

Dr. Kaplon specializes in robotic and laparoscopic surgery, utilizing minimally invasive approaches to urologic oncology. Patients from St. Petersburg and surrounding areas trust his expertise  drive for his exceptional care. At our urology clinic in Sarasota, FL, we offer comprehensive testing and treatment options for kidney cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms or seeking expert advice, don’t hesitate to call (941) 917-5400 and schedule your consultation. Don’t hesitate, schedule your consultation for the da Vinci Nephrectomy procedure.