Advanced Diagnosis & Treatment for Kidney Cancer in Melbourne, FL

Many kidney cancers produce no symptoms in early stages and are found incidentally on imaging studies. When symptoms do occur, the most common include blood in the urine (hematuria), persistent flank or back pain, a palpable mass in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, and chronic fatigue. If you experience any of these, schedule an evaluation with a urologist promptly.

Diagnosis typically begins with imaging studies such as CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to identify and characterize a kidney mass. Additional tests may include blood work, urine analysis, and in some cases a renal biopsy. At Zabinski Urology, we also perform cystoscopy when hematuria is present to rule out bladder involvement and identify the source of bleeding.

Simple kidney cysts are very common, usually benign, and typically require no treatment. Complex cysts with irregular walls, septations, or solid components may require further evaluation as they carry a higher risk of malignancy. The Bosniak classification system helps urologists categorize cysts and determine whether monitoring, biopsy, or surgical intervention is needed.

Treatment depends on the stage, size, and type of tumor as well as your overall health. Options may include partial nephrectomy (removing only the tumor), radical nephrectomy (removing the entire kidney), active surveillance for small or slow-growing tumors, ablation therapies, and systemic treatments such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced disease. Your urologist will discuss the most appropriate approach for your situation.

Yes. Most patients who undergo nephrectomy for kidney cancer live healthy, active lives with one functioning kidney. The remaining kidney typically compensates by increasing its filtration capacity. Regular follow-up monitoring of kidney function through blood tests is recommended, along with maintaining a healthy lifestyle to protect your remaining kidney.

Post-treatment surveillance typically includes imaging and lab work every 3 to 6 months for the first two years, then every 6 to 12 months for the next three years, and annually thereafter. The specific schedule depends on the stage of your cancer and the type of treatment you received. Our urologists will create a personalized follow-up plan for you.

Zabinski Urology provides comprehensive kidney cancer evaluation, diagnosis, and staging. Depending on the specific surgical approach required, our urologists will either perform the procedure or coordinate with specialized surgical oncology colleagues to ensure you receive the most advanced surgical care available, while continuing to manage your pre-operative and post-operative urological care.