Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys, which are two large, bean-shaped organs located to the left and to the right of the backbone.
There are two major types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinoma, which forms in the lining of very small tubes where blood
is filtered and waste products are removed, and renal pelvis carcinoma, which forms in the center of the kidney where urine
collects.
Jefferson’s progressive, multidisciplinary approach to kidney cancer
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, turn to the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson’s Multidisciplinary
Genitourinary Center. Founded in 1996, the Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Center gives you access not only to Jefferson
urologists, but also to experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology and integrative medicine. The center’s progressive
approach enables patients to benefit from these multiple areas of expertise in a single visit. In many cases, laparoscopic
minimally-invasive surgery may be an option.
The first step is a thorough consultation (please bring all films, records and pathology slides). Following that visit, our
committee of experts discusses your case and develops a personalized report. We provide a brief report to your referring physician
within 24 hours of your initial visit and a full written report shortly thereafter.
Based on your individual needs and/or requests, Jefferson’s Multidisciplinary Genitourinary Center can develop a treatment
plan to be carried out through the Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson, deliver treatment recommendations to your referring
physician, or provide additional perspective on your current treatment plans.
The Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson offers a variety of support groups to help patients with all types of cancer. Through
our Buddy Program, trained volunteers who have personally been through cancer treatment provide one-to-one support to patients
who are currently facing cancer.
Additional information about kidney cancer
