Kidney cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissue of one or both kidneys, most often as renal cell carcinoma — the form responsible for roughly 85% to 90% of all kidney cancer cases. An estimated 80,450 new cases are diagnosed nationally each year, and the outlook is genuinely encouraging for most patients: roughly two-thirds are caught while the cancer is still confined to the kidney, where the 5-year relative survival rate reaches 93.3%.

Delaware has solid regional cancer care, including programs at Bayhealth and ChristianaCare — if you’re already connected to one, continuing care there is entirely reasonable. Dr. Shirin Razdan, a board-certified urologic oncologist and robotic surgeon in Miami, also treats patients who travel from Delaware specifically for her subspecialty expertise in Single Port robotic surgery for kidney cancer.

Kidney Cancer: Quick Facts

Statistic	What the Data Shows
New U.S. cases annually	About 80,450, among the 10 most common cancers nationwide
Most common kidney cancer type	Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for roughly 85% to 90% of cases
Diagnosed at localized stage	About 65.7% of cases
5-year survival, localized stage	93.3%
5-year survival, all stages combined	79.2%
Sex distribution	About twice as common in men as in women
Common risk factors	Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, family history

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer typically begins in the lining of the small tubes inside the kidney — the organs responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. It affects both men and women, though it’s about twice as common in men. Early kidney cancer usually causes no noticeable symptoms, which is a major reason the overall localized-stage survival rate is so favorable — many cases are caught incidentally during imaging done for an unrelated reason, before symptoms ever appear.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain in the side or lower back
• Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
• Fever or anemia
• Swelling in the ankles or legs
• A lump or mass in the abdomen or side

Risk Factors

• Smoking and obesity — major contributing factors
• Chronic conditions, including high blood pressure and severe kidney disease
• Genetics and family history
• Environmental exposures, including certain chemicals and long-term use of some pain medications

Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer

Treatment	What It Involves	Best For
Active surveillance	Regular imaging monitors a small tumor without immediate treatment	Small, slow-growing tumors, particularly in older patients
Partial nephrectomy	Removes only the cancerous portion, preserving healthy kidney tissue	Smaller, well-localized tumors
Radical nephrectomy	Removes all or part of the affected kidney	Larger or more advanced tumors
Robotic / Single Port nephrectomy	Minimally invasive surgery offering smaller incisions and quicker recovery than open or standard laparoscopic approaches	Most appropriately selected partial and radical nephrectomy candidates
Targeted therapy	Medication that attacks specific genes or proteins driving cancer cell growth, without harming surrounding healthy cells	Cases where surgery alone isn’t curative
Immunotherapy	Stimulates the body’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells	Advanced-stage disease that has spread beyond the kidney
Radiation therapy	Less commonly used for kidney cancer itself	Cases where cancer has spread to bones or the brain
Chemotherapy	Not a primary kidney cancer treatment, since kidney cancer cells often respond poorly to it	Select advanced or metastatic cases where other options aren’t suitable

For a broader look at how these options are typically weighed against each other, see our complete guide to kidney cancer treatment options.

What Dr. Razdan Offers Delaware Patients

Minimally Invasive, Single Port Surgical Expertise

Dr. Razdan specializes in robotic-assisted nephrectomy, both partial and radical, performed through small incisions for a quicker recovery than traditional open surgery. Her Single Port technique goes further, completing the procedure through one small incision — a capability still concentrated among a relatively small number of surgeons nationally.

Thorough, Individualized Diagnostics

Treatment planning starts with a detailed review of your imaging — CT scans, MRIs, and biopsy results, when available — to precisely map tumor size, location, and extent before recommending a surgical or non-surgical path forward.

Coordinated Care Beyond Surgery

When cancer has spread and requires targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or radiation as part of a broader treatment plan, Dr. Razdan coordinates with medical oncology and radiation oncology partners so your surgical and systemic care remain connected.

Support Through Every Stage

A kidney cancer diagnosis takes an emotional toll as well as a physical one. Patients are guided through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up with clear explanations of what to expect, the benefits of each option, and potential side effects along the way.

Choosing Where to Get Treated

If you’re already connected to a Delaware cancer program, continuing care there is a reasonable choice — these centers offer genuine strengths close to home. Traveling to Miami tends to make the most sense for patients specifically seeking Single Port or highly subspecialized robotic expertise, or those who want a second opinion before committing to a treatment plan. Either way, it’s worth asking any surgeon directly how many robotic or Single Port procedures they perform annually, and whether a kidney-preserving approach fits your specific tumor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of kidney cancer?

Kidney cancer typically shows no symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, signs can include blood in the urine, pain in the side or lower back, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, anemia, or swelling in the ankles or legs.

What should I do if I notice symptoms of kidney cancer?

Early detection through imaging or regular checkups is essential. If you’re diagnosed, your care team will help determine the most effective treatment approach based on your tumor’s size, location, and stage.

What are the causes and risk factors for kidney cancer?

Major risk factors include smoking and obesity, chronic conditions like high blood pressure and severe kidney disease, family history and genetics, and environmental exposures such as certain chemicals or long-term use of some pain medications.

Can kidney cancer be cured?

Yes, especially when it’s localized to the kidney and hasn’t spread — surgery is often curative in these cases, with a 93.3% five-year survival rate. For more advanced disease, targeted therapy and immunotherapy can help manage the disease and extend survival, though outcomes vary more by individual case.

What is the overall survival rate for kidney cancer?

Across all stages combined, the 5-year relative survival rate is 79.2%. Learn more in our complete guide to kidney cancer symptoms, survival rates, and treatment cost.

Do I need to travel to Miami for an initial consultation?

Not necessarily — many out-of-state patients begin with a remote review of imaging and records to determine whether Single Port or robotic surgery makes sense for their case before planning travel.

Is surgery always necessary for kidney cancer?

No. Small, low-risk tumors may be appropriate for active surveillance or ablation instead, while larger or more advanced tumors generally require surgical removal.

Should I get a second opinion before starting treatment?

Yes — a second opinion is considered good medical practice for any cancer diagnosis and can help confirm your diagnosis and clarify your options, regardless of which provider you ultimately choose.

To learn more about Dr. Razdan’s background and surgical approach, visit her about page, or read more on whether kidney cancer is curable for your specific stage.