Surgery is the initial procedure in the treatment of many
cancers. Surgery and other invasive procedures work by removing
cancerous tissues. Surgical removal of the kidney offers the
best option for a cure for patients able to physically tolerate
the procedure. Surgery also may be used to remove cancerous
lesions that have spread to other organs. This is usually done
to control symptoms and not to cure the disease. Nephrectomy is
the removal of the whole kidney. Doctors may be able to remove
part of the affected kidney (partial nephrectomy) in certain
cases, such as: - The tumor is small. - The cancer is in both
kidneys. - You have only one functioning kidney. Nephrectomy is
recommended for Stage I and II kidney cancer. Nephrectomy plus
removal of regional lymph nodes is common for Stage III. If the
cancer has spread to the renal vein, the doctor may remove the
tumor and repair the vein. The doctor may recommend an arterial
embolization prior to surgery to decrease blood flow to the
affected kidney. For this