Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Treatment of Cancer of the kidney

Treatment for kidney cancer usually begins with surgery to remove the tumour from the kidney, and in most cases the kidney itself, to prevent the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.  This operation is called a nephrectomy.  In most cases, all normal renal functions can be performed by the remaining kidney.

Following surgery, other treatments may be offered.  These will depend on the type and extent of the kidney cancer being treated, and may be given in combination to increase their effectiveness.

• Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. 
• Immunotherapy (also called biological treatment) uses agents derived from the immune system to help the body defend itself against or attack cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy involves the use of progesterone to attack cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumour site.
• Radiation is the use of high-energy waves directed at the tumour to destroy the cancer cells. 
• In some cases, for example when the cancer cannot be surgically removed or has spread elsewhere, a course of hormone therapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy may be recommended instead.

• Caesarean sectionCancerCancer of the bile ductCancer of the bladderCancer of the boneCancer of the brainCancer of the breastCancer of the breast, maleCancer of the cervixCancer of the colon, rectum or bowelCancer of the kidneyCancer of the larynxCancer of the liverCancer of the lungCancer of the mouthCancer of the oesophagusCancer of the ovaryCancer of the pancreasCancer of the prostateCancer of the skinCancer of the stomachCancer of the testicleCancer of the thyroidCancer of the uterusCancer of the vaginaCancer of the vulvaCarbon monoxide poisoningCarersCarpal tunnel syndromeCartilage damageCataract surgeryCataractsCatarrhCavernous sinus thrombosisCEA testCellulitisCerebral palsyCerebrovascular diseaseCervical screening testCervical spondylosisCharcot-Marie-Tooth diseaseChemotherapyChest infectionChickenpoxChildren in careChiropracticChlamydiaChloride testCholesterolChorionic Villus samplingChronic fatigue syndromeChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseCircumcisionCirrhosisCleft lip and palateClinical trialsClub footCoeliac diseaseCognitive behavioural therapyCold soreCold, commonColicColostomyColour vision deficiencyColposcopyCombined contraceptive pillComplaints about NHS servicesComplementary therapiesComplex Regional Pain SyndromeCondoms (male and female)Congenital heart diseaseCongestive heart failureConjunctivitisConsent to treatmentConstipationContraceptionContraceptive implants and injectionsContraceptive patchCoronary angioplastyCoronary artery bypassCoronary heart diseaseCorticosteroid (drugs)Corticosteroid preparations (topical)Cosmetic surgeryCoughCounsellingCradle capCraniosynostosisCreutzfeldt-Jakob diseaseCrohn's diseaseCroupCT scanCushing's syndromeCuts and grazesCystic fibrosisCystitisCystoscopyCytomegalovirus

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