Kidney cancer is one of the top 10 most common cancers in men and women. The rate of new kidney cancer diagnoses has risen, due in part to the use of newer tests, such as CT scans. However, kidney cancer is treatable when detected early.
At Beaufort Memorial, we help coordinate compassionate, high-quality kidney cancer care in the Lowcountry. All of our board-certified providers work together to help you get back to good health. Our specialized team includes:
Find a kidney cancer specialist close to home. Search our online directory.
There are two main types of kidney cancer:
Kidney cancer does not usually cause symptoms early on. In the later stages, signs of kidney cancer can include blood in the urine, low back pain that won’t go away, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue and intermittent fevers.
Even though these symptoms are more often caused by conditions that are not cancer, you should still see your doctor if you notice anything unusual.
Currently, no routine screening tests exist for kidney cancer, and the disease can be hard to detect early unless patients seek help for symptoms caused by other kidney issues. Tumors are also difficult to detect because they can grow quite large before causing discomfort or pain.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may want to perform certain diagnostic tests, such as:
If you have a kidney cancer diagnosis, rest assured we will work to find the best specialists to meet your needs. Our team helps coordinate care with local and regional experts who are with you throughout your treatment.
Kidney cancer treatment options may include surgery to remove the cancerous part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) using the da Vinci surgical system. This minimally invasive system allows your surgeon to perform a more precise operation that often results in significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery.
Read more about kidney cancer treatment at Beaufort Memorial.
We’re committed to caring for the whole you and providing the resources you and your loved ones need to manage a cancer diagnosis. You’ll find a full range of cancer support services, from nutritional counseling to support groups and lymphedema prevention. You’ll also have your own nurse navigator and social worker to help guide you along your journey.