Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a common urological malignancy, frequently diagnosed due to the widespread use of imaging. Risk factors include smoking, obesity, uncontrolled hypertension, and inherited syndromes such as von Hippel–Lindau disease.

Symptoms vary but may include hematuria (blood in urine), flank pain, and a palpable loin mass. More commonly, patients present with vague abdominal discomfort, weight loss, or incidental findings on ultrasound/CT.

Diagnosis relies on imaging with CT/MRI to determine tumor size, spread, and vascular involvement. Biopsy is sometimes used for confirmation.

Treatment depends on stage. For localized disease, robotic partial nephrectomy is preferred as it preserves healthy kidney tissue while removing the tumor. Intraoperative ultrasound aids in precise tumor localization. Robotic technology provides 3D vision and precise control, reducing blood loss and enhancing recovery. Large or infiltrative tumors often require radical nephrectomy, either laparoscopic or open.

Advanced or metastatic kidney cancers are treated with systemic therapy. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies (VEGF inhibitors, TKIs) have significantly improved outcomes compared to older chemotherapy.

Long-term surveillance is crucial, as recurrence and metastasis are possible. Overall, modern surgical and systemic treatments have improved prognosis, with excellent outcomes in localized disease and promising survival in advanced cases.