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Diagnosing and Treating Kidney CancerDiagnosisCancer of the kidney is most commonly found today when imaging studies of the abdomen are done for other reasons. The least expensive and non-toxic imaging study, the ultrasound, is quite good at detecting kidney tumors, and can be used when symptoms that can occur with kidney cancer are present. These symptoms are highly variable and include vague conditions such as abdominal pain, indigestion, change in bowel habits, fever, malaise, weakness, weight loss, anemia, and even elevated blood pressure. Flank pain, blood in the urine, or a mass that can be felt in the abdomen are clear indications for an imaging study of the kidneys.TreatmentSurgery: Kidney cancer is relatively resistant to radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which leaves surgery as the best approach. Advances in surgery that are available include removal of the kidney with adjacent lymph nodes, for large tumors, partial nephrectomy for small tumors, and laparoscopic nephrectomy. All of these approaches are available at BCG Oncology.Immunotherapy: Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer is difficult to treat. Kidney cancer, like bladder cancer, is one of only a few cancers that are often best treated with immunotherapy, the specialty of BCG Oncology. Responses to BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) immunotherapy have been reported, and IL-2 (Interleukin-2, a cytokine or chemical produced by immune cells that can kill cancer cells) is specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer. Studies have shown that Interferon (a cytokine that kills virus and stops cancer cells from dividing) is also effective. We have reported remarkably good results using a combination of chemotherapy (5 fluorouracil, 5-FU) and low dose interferon. Now, the equivalent of 5-FU, Xeloda, can be taken by mouth which makes the treatment much easier. The treatment of kidney cancer is advancing rapidly, and Dr. Lamm attends conferences nearly every week to identify promising new treatments for his patients. Created: 3/15/2005
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Home | Meet Dr. Lamm | About Us | Common Questions | Office Visit | e-Consultation Cancer Information | Symptoms | Treatment & Prevention | Research | Forms | For Physicians BCG Oncology, PC | 16620 North 40th Street, Suite E | Phoenix, AZ 85032 | (602) 493-6626 Copyright © 2007 BCG Oncology, PC. All rights reserved. Medical content authored by Donald L. Lamm, M.D., unless otherwise noted. |
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The information available on and through the BCGOncology.com Web site is presented in summary form as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified physicians and health care professionals. The information on BCGOncology.com has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, BCG Oncology, PC makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. Information accessed on or through BCGOncology.com is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, illnesses, and physical conditions or their management or treatment. Information accessed on and through BCGOncology.com is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. View our terms of use for more information. Donald L. Lamm, MD is licensed to practice medicine in the state of Arizona, only. |