Kidney Cancer Treatment

As with other types of cancer, RCC tumors may be small initially but tend to grow over time. Usually, a single tumor is found in the kidney, though multiple tumors may also occur. RCC is often detected before it metastasizes to nearby organs via the blood or lymphatic system. If metastases are present, treatment becomes more complex.

TCC accounts for about 5–10% of kidney tumors. It begins in the renal collecting system, through which urine exits the kidney into the bladder. These tumors behave similarly to bladder cancer. Research shows that, like bladder tumors, TCC is linked to smoking and occupational exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.

Common symptoms include blood in the urine, lower back pain, and flank discomfort.

At Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), kidney cancer treatment in Israel is primarily surgical. Without surgery, the chance of survival is extremely low. Depending on tumor type and stage, the goal is to remove the tumor with surrounding tissue, and sometimes the entire kidney — and in some cases, the ureter or adrenal gland as well.

The most common surgical approach to RCC is radical nephrectomy. The entire kidney, tumor, surrounding fatty tissue, and adrenal gland are removed.

This procedure removes only the tumor-affected segment of the kidney. It is typically used when both kidneys are affected or when the patient has only one functioning kidney. This allows continued kidney function, avoiding the need for dialysis.

Partial nephrectomy is also increasingly used for small RCC tumors (less than 4 cm). The advantage is clear: only part of the kidney is removed. However, since there’s a risk of leaving cancerous tissue behind, this method is suitable only for small tumors.

This minimally invasive technique involves small abdominal incisions. A mini-camera is inserted through one incision to visualize the kidney, and surgical tools are inserted through others. This approach is preferred when partial resection isn’t feasible. It reduces hospital stays, speeds recovery, and minimizes postoperative pain — a modern standard in kidney tumor treatment.

This is the standard treatment for TCC-type tumors. The kidney, ureter, and a small portion of the bladder where the ureter connects are removed. Depending on the stage and spread of the tumor, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may also be necessary.

Patients seeking to treat kidney cancer without queues or delays can contact the international department at Ichilov Medical Center:

• Email: medtour@tlvmc.gov.il

• Or submit a request via the hospital’s website

Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive an expert review and a preliminary treatment plan. This efficient approach allows you to treat kidney cancer without waiting, access the best of kidney oncology in Israel, and start your kidney oncology treatment in Israel with no unnecessary delays.