Arterial Embolization for Kidney Cancer

Arterial embolization for kidney cancer is a treatment that may be used when surgery to remove the tumor is not an option. This treatment is meant to shrink the tumor and relieve the symptoms of kidney cancer by blocking the flow of blood to the tumor. After undergoing an arterial embolization for kidney cancer, some people may experience back pain or develop a fever. Other side effects of arterial embolization can include nausea and vomiting.

Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Arterial Embolization for Kidney Cancer: An Overview

When surgery to remove the cancer is not possible, a treatment called arterial embolization may be used to shrink the tumor and help relieve kidney cancer symptoms.

This article uses the term "kidney cancer" to refer to renal cell carcinoma (also known as renal cell cancer), the most common of the kidney cancer types. To read about treatment for other types of kidney cancer, see these eMedTV articles:

In arterial embolization, the doctor will insert a narrow tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in the leg. The tube is passed up to the main blood vessel (renal artery) that supplies blood to the kidney. The doctor will then inject a substance into the blood vessel to block the flow of blood into the kidney. The blockage will prevent the tumor from getting oxygen and other substances that it needs to grow.

Side Effects of Arterial Embolization for Kidney Cancer

After arterial embolization for kidney cancer, some patients may experience back pain or develop a fever. Other side effects include nausea and vomiting. These problems are usually temporary and will typically go away after treatment.