Can Small Kidney Tumors Be Monitored Instead of Removed?

Yes, small kidney tumors can often be safely monitored instead of being removed right away. This approach is called active surveillance, and it is increasingly used in patients where immediate surgery may not be necessary or may carry higher risks.

Tumors that are 4 cm or smaller (about 1.6 inches) are often slow-growing and may not pose a threat for months or even years. In fact, some small kidney masses turn out to be benign (non-cancerous) and never require treatment at all.

When Monitoring Is a Good Option:

  • The tumor is found incidentally during imaging for another issue
  • The patient is elderly or has other medical conditions that make surgery risky
  • There is limited kidney function or only one kidney, where preserving tissue is important
  • The tumor is not growing or growing very slowly on repeated scans

Doctors will use a structured plan of active surveillance to monitor the tumor. This includes:

  • Regular imaging tests (CT, MRI, or ultrasound)
  • Blood tests to check kidney function
  • Follow-up visits to assess symptoms or changes in health

If the tumor starts to grow faster, causes symptoms, or shows other concerning changes, treatment such as surgery, ablation, or targeted therapy can still be started.

This approach can help avoid overtreatment, especially when the risks of surgery are higher than the risks posed by the tumor itself. It also preserves kidney function, which is important for long-term health.

Patients who are candidates for this option should discuss the benefits and risks with their doctor, and ensure they are willing to commit to regular follow-up and testing.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Blood in the Urine or Hematuria?

Image
Introduction Blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria, is a condition where red blood cells are present in the urine. Hematuria can be alarming, but it is not always a sign of a serious medical condition. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, ranging from infections to more serious conditions such as kidney disease or bladder cancer. This guide provides an in-depth explanation of what hematuria is, its causes, types, symptoms, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies. By understanding the potential causes and how it is diagnosed and treated, patients and their loved ones can be better informed about this condition. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor infections to more serious issues such as kidney disease or cancer. While it can be alarming, it is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Understanding Hematuria Hematur...
Read more

What Are the Kidneys and What Do They Do?

Image
Introduction The kidneys are essential organs that play a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. These two bean-shaped organs, located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine, serve as the body's natural filtration system. Every day, they filter large volumes of blood, removing waste products, toxins, and excess fluid, which are then excreted as urine. While their primary role is to filter blood, the kidneys also regulate blood pressure, balance body fluids, support red blood cell production, and maintain healthy bones. Understanding what kidneys are and how they function provides valuable insights into their importance for health. This article explores the structure, function, and essential role of the kidneys in the body. The kidneys are essential organs responsible for filtering blood, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, supporting red blood cell production, and promoting bone health. When kidney function is compromised, it can lead to serio...
Read more

What are the Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer?

Image
Introduction Kidney cancer is a serious disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine. Their primary role is to filter blood, remove waste, and balance fluids in the body. When kidney cancer develops, it can disrupt these vital functions and, if left untreated, may spread to other parts of the body. Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers in adults, with early detection playing a crucial role in successful treatment. This article explains what kidney cancer is, highlights its symptoms and causes, and outlines the treatment options available to patients, caregivers, and loved ones. Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidneys begin to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer progresses, certain signs and symptoms such as blood in the urine, bac...
Read more