Most kidney cancers today are found incidentally on imaging - and most can be treated with kidney-preserving surgery rather than removal of the whole kidney.
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is a particular area of interest for Dr Kooner, who was among the first urologists in Australia to perform laparoscopic and robotic removal of kidney tumours. The condition is not especially common and is slightly more frequent in men.
Most kidney cancers today are detected incidentally - picked up on a CT scan or ultrasound arranged for another reason - rather than because of the classical combination of loin pain, a palpable mass and visible bleeding.
Assessment typically includes a CT scan of the kidneys and chest, blood tests, and sometimes MRI to characterise the tumour and confirm there is no spread. Staging guides the choice of treatment.
Newer systemic therapies have substantially improved outcomes in advanced kidney cancer and are increasingly used alongside surgery for aggressive disease. Treatment is planned in a multidisciplinary setting.
Yes, in most cases. Many kidney cancers grow slowly and cause no symptoms until they are quite advanced. Once a solid kidney tumour has been identified, early treatment is usually recommended before it has a chance to spread.
Possibly. Some kidney lesions turn out to be benign (for example, oncocytoma or angiomyolipoma). If imaging is uncertain, a renal biopsy can help clarify the diagnosis before treatment is chosen.
For localised kidney cancer — caught early and surgically removed — the chance of cure is high. Long-term outcomes depend on the size, type and grade of the tumour, which are known fully only after surgery.
After surgery a surveillance schedule is tailored to your pathology — usually periodic imaging and blood tests for several years, reducing in frequency over time if all is well.
Kidney cancer does not typically respond to traditional chemotherapy. For advanced disease, modern immunotherapy and targeted therapies are highly effective and are coordinated with a medical oncologist.
Arrange a consultation or request a second opinion on kidney cancer, stones, or reconstructive kidney surgery.