I Have Kidney Cancer—Is It Necessary to Remove My Entire Kidney?
I Have Kidney Cancer—Is It Necessary to Remove My Entire Kidney?
Is a Partial (Half) Nephrectomy Possible for Kidney Cancer?
The Most Common Question Asked by Patients Diagnosed with Kidney Cancer
“I have kidney cancer—do I have to have my entire kidney removed?”
This is the first question asked by nearly all patients diagnosed with a kidney tumor, and it is their greatest concern.
A common misconception in society is this:
👉“If there is cancer, the organ is completely removed.”
However, the approach to kidney cancer surgery has changed completely today.
In the modern urological approach,which Prof. Dr. Volkan İzolalso advocates, the goalis not only to remove the cancer but alsoto preserve as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
What Is the Goal of Surgical Treatment for Kidney Cancer?
The primary goals of surgery for kidney cancer are as follows:
- To completely remove the tumor
- To ensure cancer control
- To extend the patient's life
- To preserve kidney function as much as possible
In the past, when a kidney tumor was detected, the standard treatment wasradical nephrectomy—that is, the removal of the entire kidney. However, today this approachis not appropriate for every patient.
What Is a Total Nephrectomy (Radical Nephrectomy)?
A radical nephrectomy is the removal of the entire kidney, along with the surrounding fatty tissue and, in some cases, the adrenal gland.
When Is It Necessary?
- In cases of very large tumors
- In cancers that involve the entire kidney
- If there is an extension into a blood vessel
- In cases where partial surgery is not technically feasible
However,it is notalwaysnecessary to remove the entire kidneyin every patient with kidney cancer.
What Is a Partial Nephrectomy (Removal of Half a Kidney)?
A partial nephrectomy is a procedure in which only the tumor-affected portion of the kidney is removed, while the healthy tissue is preserved. It is commonly known as “removal of half the kidney.”
In this surgery:
- The tumor is removed
- Healthy kidney tissue is preserved
- Kidney function continues
Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that partial nephrectomy is both oncologically safe and extremely valuable for patients’ long-term health in suitable patients.
Can a Partial Nephrectomy Be Performed for Every Type of Kidney Cancer?
No. A partial nephrectomyis not suitable for every patient. The decision is made after evaluating a number of factors together.
Eligibility Criteria for Partial Nephrectomy
🔹 Tumor Size
- Tumorssmaller than 4 cmare generally the best candidates
- It can also be performed on some tumors measuring between 4 and 7 cm in suitable patients
🔹 Tumor Location
- Tumors near the outer part of the kidney
- Lesions that are not very close to the renal center
🔹 Number of Tumors
- Single-focus tumors are more suitable
🔹 The Patient’s General Condition
- Patients with one kidney
- Patients with a problem in their other kidney
- People with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
In this patient group, kidney-sparing surgeryis of much greater importance.
Is a Partial Nephrectomy Safe in Terms of Cancer?
This is one of the issues that patients are most concerned about.
👉Yes, it is safe for the right patient.
Scientific studies have shown that:
- In early-stage kidney cancers
- With partial nephrectomy
- There is no difference in cancer control between radical nephrectomy and
However, in patients who have undergone a partial nephrectomy:
- The risk of kidney failure is lower
- Cardiovascular diseases are less common
- Quality of life is higher in the long term
What Happens If the Entire Kidney Is Removed?
It is possible to live with only one kidney. However,the risks associated with this situationvary from patient to patient.
When the entire kidney is removed:
- Over time, kidney function may decline
- High blood pressure may develop
- The risk of chronic kidney disease increases
Preserving kidney tissueis particularlyimportant in young patients and those with a long life expectancy.
Robotic and Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Nowadays, partial nephrectomy can often be performedusing laparoscopic techniques.
Advantages of Closed Methods
- A smaller incision
- Less pain
- Less blood loss
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery
Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol states that the primary goal of robotic and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedures is to minimize the duration of renal perfusion while safely removing the tumor.
The “Talking Kidney” Approach in Kidney Cancer
In modern kidney surgery, the notion that “the more tissue we remove, the better” has been abandoned.
It has been replaced by afunction-preserving, patient-centered surgicalapproach.
The following questions should be asked of every kidney cancer patient:
- Can this tumor be partially removed?
- Can kidney function be preserved?
- In the long run, which is the best option for the patient?
Frequently Asked Questions by Patients
❓ “If half of it remains, will the cancer come back?”
No, provided the patient is suitable and the surgery is performed correctly. Recurrence rates are similar to those of radical surgery.
❓ “Is a partial surgery riskier?”
It is technically more delicate, but it is safe when performed at experienced centers.
❓ “Can any doctor perform a partial nephrectomy?”
A partial nephrectomy requiresexperience and specialized surgical skills.
Conclusion: It Is Not Always Necessary to Remove the Entire Kidney
A diagnosis of kidney cancer does not automatically mean that the entire kidney will be removed.
Today,kidney-sparing surgeryis both possible and the preferred option for suitable patients.
The fundamental principle of Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol’sapproach is:
👉“To completely eradicate cancer while also safeguarding the patient’s future.”
For this reason, every kidney cancer patientmust be evaluated for partial nephrectomy.
