Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in your kidney, often presenting as a mass. Early on, there may be no symptoms, but later signs can include blood in urine or back pain. While exact causes are often unclear, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and managing weight can help reduce risk. Treatment options vary and are tailored to each individual.

Kidney Mass / Cancer

Fox Chase Kidney cancer guide

NCCN Kidney Cancer Guide

Kidney cancer information (EAU)

Renal Mass and Localized Renal Cancer: AUA guideline

Small Kidney Tumors (JAMA)

Small renal mass guidelines (ASCO)

Partial & Radical Nephrectomy procedure

Decision guide: how should I treat my small kidney tumor?

Podcast: Localized kidney tumors

Advanced kidney cancer (EAU)

“Retro” Kidney Surgery is the Wave of the Future

Immunotherapy for kidney cancer (EAU)

What to Expect at Your Visit

Dr. Chen's Fox Chase Cancer Center Profile

Dr. Chen's Clinical and Scientific Publications

Philadelphia Magazine Best Docs

Castle Connolly Top Doctors

Doximity Profile

LinkedIn Profile

Clinical trials are research studies where volunteers test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices. They help researchers discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, advancing medical care for everyone while offering participants potential access to innovative therapies.

Clinical Trials

Prostate cancer screening involves tests like a PSA blood test and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to check for early signs in men, typically over 50. Its aim is to find prostate cancer early, as it often has no symptoms in its initial stages, allowing for more treatment options. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor, as healthy lifestyle choices also support prostate health.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular Cancer

Bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the bladder. The most common sign is visible blood in the urine, often painless. Smoking is a leading risk factor. Treatments vary but may include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Quitting smoking significantly improves health and outcomes.

Bladder Cancer basics

Bladder cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the bladder, often causing symptoms like blood in urine. Smoking is a significant risk factor. Treatment depends on the cancer's stage and can include a cystectomy (bladder removal surgery) for more advanced cases. This surgery necessitates a new way for urine to exit the body. Lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, are vital for prevention and recovery.

Bladder Cancer, Bladder removal surgery (Cystectomy)

Bladder cancer, often presenting with blood in urine, may require bladder removal. In such cases, a urostomy (stoma) is created to divert urine. Stoma care involves managing this external pouch and surrounding skin, enabling individuals to maintain an active lifestyle with proper education and support.

Bladder Cancer: Stoma Care

An adrenal mass is a growth found on one of your small adrenal glands, located above your kidney. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and found by chance, causing no symptoms. However, some may produce excess hormones or, less commonly, be cancerous. A doctor will evaluate it to determine its nature and guide appropriate care, which might include monitoring or removal.

Adrenal Mass

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile Cancer

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

"Other Resources" isn't a medical condition. Instead, it refers to valuable sources of information and support that can aid your health journey. These often include trusted websites, patient support groups, and educational materials designed to help you understand health topics and feel more empowered.

Other Resources

SpaceOAR and fiducials are advanced tools used during radiation therapy, often for prostate cancer. SpaceOAR is a temporary gel that creates space between the prostate and rectum, protecting the rectum from radiation exposure. Fiducials are tiny markers placed near the tumor to precisely guide the radiation beam. Together, they enhance treatment accuracy, reduce side effects on healthy tissues, and aim to improve patient comfort and recovery during and after treatment.

SpaceOAR and Fiducials

Prescription Drug Information provides essential details about your prescribed medications. It covers how to take them, potential side effects, and important warnings. Understanding this information is key for safe and effective use, empowering you in your health management.

Prescription Drug Information

David Chen

Fox Chase Cancer Center Hospital

Nursing Line/Triage (business hours)

East Norriton Outpatient Center of Fox Chase Cancer Center

New Patient Appointments

After Hours Phone

Professor, Fox Chase - Temple Urologic Institute

Surgery (Urology)

Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology

Director, Urologic Oncology Fellowship Program

Associate Chief Academic Officer

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Problems with glands on your kidneys that make hormones for stress, energy, and blood pressure.

Adrenal conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Bladder cancer

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Kidney Cancer

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Bladder problems preventing normal urine flow, requiring a new way for urine to exit the body.

Urinary Diversion

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

Medical procedures are planned steps healthcare professionals take to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions. These can include diagnostic tests like imaging, therapeutic interventions, or surgical operations, all aimed at improving your health.

David Chen, MD

Kidney Mass / Cancer

Recommended Videos

Recommended Resources

Related Resources from Dr. Chen

Meet Dr. Chen

Locations

Find me online