Renal Tumour

All potential cancers treated by SCU are discussed through the central/tertiary cancer MDT (multidisciplinary team meeting) at University Hospital Southampton. This expert panel consisting of cancer surgeons (from SCU), oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and cancer nurse specialists take into account the size and precise location of the tumour, along with the patients past history and comorbidities, before coming to a consensus on the best treatment options. A surgeon from SCU would then discuss the pros and cons of any treatment with you before deciding on the next step.

All options are available through the team at SCU including complete removal of a kidney (nephrectomy), partial nephrectomy using the Da Vinci robot, and percutaneous cryoablation. The vast majority of these procedures can be carried out in a minimally invasive way.

For more detail please see the BAUS information sheets

An alternative to partial nephrectomy for small tumours is percutaneous cryotherapy. SCU work closely with Dr David Breen and Dr Alex King who are interventional radiologists. They have the biggest series in Europe of patients treated this way. Many, but not all, patients suitable for partial nephrectomy are also suitable for cryotherapy.

The procedure is carried out under a general anaesthetic using the CT scanner to guide a series of needle probes into the tumour. A special gas mixture is used to generate an ice ball, which envelops the tumour. When tissue is frozen it dies and therefore the tumour is destroyed internally. Like surgery there is a small chance of major complications but generally this procedure involves one night in hospital and very quick return to normal activities. A biopsy or sample of tissue is also taken to determine the nature of the mass. Further CT scans are then required to ensure all cells have been treated and no recurrent disease is evident. The size and position of the mass determines whether this technique is feasible or not.