While kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, when found in its earliest stages, 95 percent of people are cured. So there's more reason than ever that with Nebraska Medicine's help, you're going to survive your Kidney Cancer diagnosis.
Why Come to Nebraska Medicine for Kidney Cancer Treatment
Expertise
Nebraska Medicine has a team of specialists with deep knowledge in successfully treating kidney cancer. Our partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center means we see the most complex cases in Nebraska and surrounding states, and treat those patients using the most advanced therapies.
Convenient Care
We offer cancer treatments at a variety of locations, so being treated by a Nebraska Medicine doctor no longer automatically means having to come to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Patients undergoing cancer treatment at Nebraska Medicine also have access to our 24/7 Infusion Center at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, which serves as both a treatment center and 24/7 urgent-care-type facility. A rare offering in the region.
Team Approach
Our kidney cancer specialists meet monthly with a team of doctors from a variety of specialties within and outside of cancer - including our genetic counselors - to review and discuss your case and develop a coordinated treatment plan. This ensures that all of our experts have an opportunity to weigh in on your case and contribute their expertise.
Genetics Counseling and Analysis
The most common kidney cancers have a genetic component. Almost all of these are caused by an alteration of a specific gene called the von Hippel–Lindau tumor gene. If you have a family history of kidney cancer, you may want to consider genetic testing. Genetic testing looks for specific changes or mutations in a person’s genes that can confirm whether a cancer is the result of an inherited cancer syndrome or whether an unaffected person carries a mutated gene, increasing the risk that he or she will develop specific types of cancer.
Advances in genetic testing are making these tests more accessible, less costly and easier to interpret. Nebraska Medicine and UNMC were early adopters of next-generation sequencing, which provides unprecedented information on a very large scale and is available through the UNMC Human Genetics Laboratory. In addition, all kidney cancers removed at Nebraska Medicine are sent for genetic analysis to look for specific gene defects. This testing is not performed at any other centers in the area. Our genetic counselors can walk you through the process and help you determine if you are a candidate for genetic testing and will prepare you for the social and emotional consequences of having this information.
Leaders in Minimally Invasive Surgery
The vast majority of surgeries performed here for kidney cancer are treated using minimally invasive methods, using laparoscopy or robotics. Minimally invasive surgeries are performed using small incisions that can be closed with a few stitches. Nebraska Medicine has the most technically advanced da Vinci™ robotic surgical systems in Nebraska.
This sophisticated technology provides surgeons with intuitive control, range of motion and incredible precision and accuracy, while minimizing the impact on the normal tissues.
Cryoablation Experts
Our kidney cancer specialists also perform an ultra minimally invasive technique on kidney tumors called cryoablation, which is done in cooperation with our interventional radiologists. Using special needle probes and imaging localization, doctors use a freezing technique to freeze to kill the tumor without any incisions. We are a part of a multi-institutional cooperative group that performs cryoablation on kidney tumors. This group maintains strict standards of quality and safety.
We’re Involved in the Latest Research
Our doctors are significantly involved in kidney cancer research and clinical trials. By coming to Nebraska Medicine, you will have access to the latest treatments and therapies before they become available to the general public.
Patient Guides
Addressing Your Personal Care Needs
Addressing a patient’s physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs are important aspects of providing a more complete and holistic approach to care. A host of amenities and supportive services are available to help meet these needs. This includes personal care services such as wigs, wig fittings, prosthetic and bra fittings, yoga, massage therapy, skin care and make-up lessons specifically geared for people with or recovering from cancer are also provided in a private setting.
Cancer Support Services
Finding out that you have cancer can be a very emotional and difficult time. You will likely have many questions and issues to work through. We will be with you every step of the way. Nebraska Medicine offers a host of cancer support services to help you with your physical, emotional, educational and financial needs.
We're Here for you Long After Your Treatment
Our Survivorship Clinic is designed to help you deal with the emotional and physical challenges cancer can leave behind such as fear of recurrence, physical and medical long-term side effects and helping you return to a normal life again. It will also help you transition back into the care of your primary care physician.