The kidneys are the foundation of the urinary system — and at Family Urology Associates, our job is helping protect that foundation and guiding healing when patients are sick.
You may feel anxious or stressed after a kidney cancer diagnosis — but it’s important to know that the diagnosis isn’t the end of your story. Our expert urologist, Dr. Mohammed Haseebuddin (Dr. Haseeb) is a kidney cancer specialist who often explains to patients that the first steps after a diagnosis can be the most important ones.
A kidney cancer diagnosis is unique for every person. Kidney tumors can vary widely in size, location, growth rate, and whether they’ve spread beyond the kidney.
Dr. Haseeb typically begins by reviewing imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds to better assess your tumor and determine exactly what you’re dealing with. You could need additional testing, and it’s important to complete these tests as soon as possible.
The more detailed information available, the better Dr. Haseeb can help you understand your diagnosis and explain your treatment options.
The size of the tumor plays a major role in the treatments recommended. In some cases — mainly in people with small, slow-growing kidney tumors — doctors may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach, which involves regular surveillance through imaging studies.
For most people with larger and faster-growing tumors, surgery can be the most effective solution. Dr. Haseeb is highly respected as a renal preservation specialist, a surgeon who uses highly advanced techniques — laparoscopy and robotic surgery — designed to keep as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
For many patients, he performs a partial nephrectomy to remove only the part of the kidney with the tumor. However, for very large tumors or those likely to spread to the entire kidney, he may recommend a radical nephrectomy. The good news is that people who lose a kidney to cancer can still enjoy a healthy, happy life.
Some patients may not be able to undergo surgery to remove the kidney tumor. In those cases, radiation therapy could be an effective option to target cancer that has metastasized, spreading to other areas of the body, or even to treat symptoms caused by the tumor itself.
Whether you have one kidney or two after treatment, a history of kidney cancer means you need to be extra vigilant about healthy living during and after treatment. Dr. Haseeb recommends a personalized health care plan that can help you avoid future kidney problems.
Kidney cancer is a scary diagnosis, but there is a path forward — one that Dr. Haseeb and our team will create specifically for your needs. Book an appointment online or call 301-606-0551 to make your appointment at Family Urology Associates.
