Kidney Cancer Treatment: Remembering Questions and Answers
Many people with
kidney cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care and their kidney cancer treatment. However, the shock and stress after a
kidney cancer diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Some patients find that it is helpful to make a list of kidney cancer questions before their appointment.
(Click Kidney Cancer Questions for a list of questions to ask your doctor prior to kidney cancer treatment.)
Kidney Cancer Treatment: Healthcare Providers
There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's kidney cancer treatment. The doctor may refer patients to doctors who specialize in treating kidney cancer, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat kidney cancer include:
- Surgeons
- Urologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Urologic oncologists.
Kidney Cancer Treatment: Getting a Second Opinion
Sometimes it is helpful to have a second opinion concerning the kidney cancer diagnosis and the treatment plan. While some insurance companies require a second opinion, others may cover a second opinion if the patient or doctor requests it.
Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
The doctor is the best person to describe the kidney cancer treatment choices and to discuss the expected results. The doctor and patient should work together to develop a kidney cancer treatment plan that fits the patient's needs.
Depending on the type and extent of kidney cancer, treatment may involve:
- Surgery
- Arterial embolization
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Biological therapy
- A combination of these methods.
At any stage of disease, kidney cancer treatment may also be used to:
- Control pain and other symptoms
- Relieve the side effects of therapy
- Ease emotional and practical problems.
This kind of kidney cancer treatment is called supportive care, symptom management, or palliative care.
(Click Kidney Cancer Treatment by Stage for more information about kidney cancer treatment options by stage.)
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