Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer specialist – Mr Neil Haldar
I am a Consultant Urological Surgeon specialising in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of kidney cancer, including minimally invasive and laparoscopic kidney surgery.
I have over 20 years of experience in urological surgery and have performed more than 600 laparoscopic kidney operations. I see patients from across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, West Hertfordshire and London, including those seeking specialist advice and second opinions.
GMC: 3683914 | BUPA Platinum Consultant | MBBS MD FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Urol)
Kidney cancer — renal cell carcinoma — is increasingly detected incidentally on scans performed for unrelated reasons, before causing any symptoms. My role is to give you a clear, honest assessment of your options and the confidence to make the right decision for your individual situation.
If a kidney mass or small renal tumour has been found incidentally on a scan, you can also read my detailed guide to what this means and how decisions about biopsy, surveillance and treatment are made.
600+
Laparoscopic renal surgeries performed
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer develops when abnormal cells form within the kidney. The most common type in adults is renal cell carcinoma, which accounts for the majority of cases. Many kidney cancers are detected incidentally during scans performed for other reasons, often before symptoms develop.
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (haematuria)
- Pain in the flank or side
- A palpable abdominal mass
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or persistent fever
If you have noticed blood in your urine but have not yet been diagnosed, see my Rapid Access Haematuria Service.
A significant proportion of kidney cancers are now detected incidentally on scans. If a kidney mass is found, prompt specialist review is important even without symptoms.
Diagnosis
CT scan with contrast
The principal imaging investigation characterises the tumour, assesses the other kidney, evaluates lymph nodes and distant sites, and guides surgical planning.
Renal biopsy
Image-guided biopsy can help distinguish kidney cancer from benign renal tumours and can materially affect decisions about surveillance, ablation or surgery. It is particularly relevant in selected small renal masses where knowing the tumour type may change management.
Treatment options for kidney cancer
Treatment depends on the tumour’s size, stage, and location, as well as overall health.
Options may include:
- Active surveillance for small tumours
- Partial nephrectomy (kidney-sparing surgery)
- Radical nephrectomy (removal of the kidney)
- Ablation techniques (cryotherapy or radiofrequency ablation)
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy for advanced disease
Surgery is the main treatment for most kidney cancers, particularly when the disease is localised.
Surgical options
Partial nephrectomy
Removes the tumour while preserving as much healthy kidney as possible. For localised T1 tumours, kidney-preserving surgery is preferred where it is technically and oncologically appropriate.
Radical nephrectomy
Removal of the entire kidney together with surrounding tissue and, where indicated, the adrenal gland or regional lymph nodes. Used for larger tumours or those unsuitable for partial resection.
Active surveillance
Regular imaging rather than immediate treatment may be appropriate for selected small renal masses, particularly very small tumours. Age, general health, tumour size and characteristics, kidney function and patient preference all contribute to the decision.
Laparoscopic surgery
I specialise in laparoscopic (keyhole) kidney surgery, which allows treatment through small incisions.
This approach offers:
- Reduced pain after surgery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
Minimally invasive techniques are suitable for many kidney tumours and allow effective cancer treatment while preserving as much normal kidney tissue as possible.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgery is usually recommended for kidney cancer that is confined to the kidney or has not spread widely.
Options include:
- Partial nephrectomy (removing the tumour only)
- Radical nephrectomy (removing the entire kidney)
The choice depends on tumour size, location and overall health.
Second opinions for kidney cancer
A diagnosis of kidney cancer can be unexpected, particularly when found incidentally on a scan.
I regularly see patients for second opinions to:
- Review imaging and diagnosis
- Discuss treatment options
- Assess suitability for minimally invasive surgery
This helps patients make informed decisions about their care.
Why choose Mr Neil Haldar?
What is the main treatment for kidney cancer?
Surgery is the main treatment for most kidney cancers, particularly when the tumour is localised.
Can kidney cancer be treated with keyhole surgery?
Yes. Many kidney cancers can be treated using laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques, depending on the size and location of the tumour.
Do I need my whole kidney removed?
Not always. In many cases, a partial nephrectomy can remove the tumour while preserving the rest of the kidney.
I’ve been told I have a kidney mass — what happens next?
A kidney mass found on imaging warrants prompt specialist review. I will review your scan, assess the characteristics of the mass, and advise whether further imaging, biopsy, surgery or active surveillance is most appropriate for your individual situation. Not all kidney masses are cancer — some are benign cysts or benign tumours such as oncocytomas.
Read my detailed guide: Small Renal Masses and Kidney Cancer – What a Kidney Tumour Found on a Scan Means.
Is laparoscopic kidney surgery safe?
Yes. Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is an established minimally invasive approach for appropriately selected kidney cancers. Compared with open surgery, it generally offers a shorter hospital stay and reduced postoperative analgesic requirements, while maintaining the same oncological objective.
How long is the recovery after a laparoscopic nephrectomy?
Most patients are discharged two to three days after laparoscopic nephrectomy and return to light activities within two to three weeks. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise are restricted for six weeks. The remaining kidney adapts over time, and regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function is recommended.
What is active surveillance for kidney cancer?
For small kidney tumours — typically under 3–4cm — in older or less fit patients, regular imaging surveillance to monitor growth may be appropriate rather than immediate surgery. This avoids surgical risks without compromising outcomes in carefully selected patients. I discuss this option openly at your consultation.
Does a kidney mass always mean cancer?
No. Some renal masses are benign, including oncocytoma and angiomyolipoma, while kidney cysts also vary from clearly benign to lesions requiring further assessment. Imaging and, in selected cases, renal biopsy help determine the likely diagnosis and the most appropriate management.
Do all small kidney cancers need surgery?
No. Immediate surgery is not necessary for every small renal mass. Depending on tumour size, imaging characteristics, biopsy findings, kidney function, general health and personal preference, options may include active surveillance, partial nephrectomy or ablation.
- Over 20 years’ experience in urological surgery
- More than 600 laparoscopic kidney operations performed
- Specialist in minimally invasive kidney surgery
- Experienced in complex cases and second opinions
- Patient-centred approach with clear, personalised advice
- Treatment decisions are made as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Excellent patient feedback
Useful Resources
Please read my articles on kidney cancer on The Pelvic Specialists website
Book a consultation
If you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer or would like a second opinion, I would be pleased to help.
I see private patients with kidney tumours and kidney cancer from across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, West Hertfordshire and London, as well as patients travelling from elsewhere in the UK for specialist renal-surgery opinions.
Private hospital and clinic locations
I am recognised by major private health insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Cigna and Vitality Health. I also welcome self-funding patients. See our Fees and Insurance page for details.
