What is a nephrectomy? 8 things to know about kidney removal surgery
A nephrectomy is surgery to remove all or part of the kidney. It is most often used to treat kidney cancer.
At UT MD Anderson, we perform about 400 kidney surgeries every year, including nephrectomies. Here, I’ll explain more about nephrectomies, including the different types, when we use each and what to expect while you recover.
Why would I need a nephrectomy?The most common reason for a nephrectomy is to treat kidney...
Stage 4 kidney cancer survivor thankful he chose UT MD Anderson
Roberto Gonzalez was diagnosed with stage 2 renal cell carcinoma in September 2020. He had a radical nephrectomy to remove his left kidney...
Kidney cancer specialists: 3 things to know about renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the scientific name for kidney cancer. Clear cell renal cell carcinoma accounts for about 75% of all new kidney...
Which blood tests show cancer?
PSA tests can detect elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, which are sometimes a sign of prostate cancer. And complete blood counts — or CBCs — can show high or low levels of certain blood components, which are sometimes a symptom of certain blood cancers.
But are there any simple blood tests available that can prove you have cancer?
Adriana Maria Knopfelmacher Couchonal, M.D., a specialist...
Mom's legacy lives on through fundraising for UT MD Anderson
Last updated March 19, 2026
Alex Heard’s mom, Kelli, was his best friend.
“When I was younger, I would lie on her and watch...
4 things to know about kidney biopsies
At MD Anderson, our dedicated interventional radiologists perform around 500 kidney biopsies a year. Nearly all of them are guided by advanced...
Blood in urine (hematuria): What causes it and what to do about it
It can be scary to see blood in your urine. While there is cause for concern, you shouldn’t panic. There can be many reasons for blood in...
Understanding kidney pain: Common causes, symptoms and when to get checked out
Kidney cancers don’t generally cause pain in patients before diagnosis. That’s because the most common types of kidney cancer tend to grow...
Renal medullary carcinoma: 5 things to know about this rare and aggressive kidney cancer
Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare and extremely aggressive kidney cancer. In the United States, it is diagnosed most frequently among...
Renal medullary carcinoma, sickle cell trait and high-intensity exercise: What’s the connection?
Very few people will be diagnosed with renal medullary carcinoma this year. But of those who are, about 60% will be young Black men who carry...