305-468-3314
3650 NW 82nd Avenue, Suite 502, Miami, FL 33166

When faced with a kidney cancer diagnosis, having a clear treatment plan is essential. In Rhode Island, patients have access to advanced surgical and nonsurgical management options, as well as compassionate, multidisciplinary supportive care tailored to their individual needs. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, it is essential to understand how kidney cancer is managed in your area and when to seek expert advice outside of Rhode Island.
Kidney cancer (also known as renal cell carcinoma when it arises from the primary kidney tissue) occurs when abnormal cells in either one or both of the kidneys manically proliferate. These tumors may remain localized in the kidney or spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Early detection allows for more treatment options and improved outcomes.
>Rhode Island has practiced community‑based centres with state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment facilities for urology and oncology patients. It is important to choose an experienced oncologist who can offer laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques with precision and short recovery times.
An experienced oncologist in Rhode Island can offer personalised care based on tumour type, size, spread, overall health, and individual goals.
Treatment options include active surveillance of smaller tumours, ablation therapies, partial or radical nephrectomy, and, when appropriate, systemic therapy.
In Rhode Island, receiving care will involve easier access to the clinic, your support system, and less travel, while still receiving expert care.
Your first step will be a comprehensive evaluation in either the office or hospital setting: physical exam, imaging (CT, MRI, PET/CT), biopsy if recommended, and genetic testing when possible.
After the comprehensive evaluation, specialists —including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, and the supportive care team —will provide ongoing care. For example, large cancer networks develop teams to conduct case reviews and propose a personalised care pathway for each patient.
Depending on the stage of your tumour, either of the following options may be available to you:
Once treatment has been completed, active surveillance (i.e., imaging and lab tests to look for signs of recurrence, renal function, and health) is critical. Survivorship planning includes lifestyle support, nutrition, and monitoring of renal function.
Once you are actively managing your treatment process, consideration should be given to.
Your journey doesn’t end with the treatment. You will want to focus on:

Receiving kidney cancer treatment in Rhode Island will provide you with proximity, high-quality care, and access to the latest and most advanced techniques and support. By selecting a centre with state-of-the-art multidisciplinary teams, expertise, technology, and treatment plans uniquely tailored to your needs, you are on your way to the best possible outcomes. And if your situation requires an additional layer of expertise, such as Dr. Shirin Razdan in Miami, you always have the option to pursue that path.
Just remember: You are not just treating a tumor, you are protecting your health, your kidney function, your quality of life, and your future. You are entitled to be well-informed, ask questions, and receive support from your entire care team, and each decision you make will ultimately be guided by the factors that are most important to you.
Answer. Many early kidney cancers may not have clear symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include blood in the urine, persistent flank pain, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. Early diagnosis improves outcomes.
Answer. Not necessarily. If the tumor is small and slow-growing, your physician may choose active surveillance or possibly minimally invasive ablation instead of immediate surgery, depending on your health and tumor characteristics.
Answer. Robotic nephrectomy utilizes a robotic surgical system to remove all or part of a kidney through smaller incisions. This typically results in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery while maintaining kidney function.
Answer. Yes. Recurrence is a possibility, so follow-up monitoring and imaging are essential. Your team will also consider your individual risk factors to guide you in making the best choice.
Answer. You should seek a second opinion if you have a large, complex, or recurrent tumor; advanced treatment (such as robotic surgery) is necessary; or you just want to confirm a plan of action with a high-volume expert.
Dr. Shirin Razdan is the director of the robotic surgery department at the Comprehensive Urological Surgery Institute in Miami, Florida. She is one of the leading and world renowned robotic surgeons in the United States who completed her medical education from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York and has undergone subspecialty training in Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery.
© 2025 Miami Robotic Surgery. All rights reserved.