Kidney Cancer Treatment in Singapore
Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, occurs when abnormal cells in one or both kidneys grow uncontrollably. Kidney cancer may grow to a large size without causing any symptoms. Early detection and a tailored treatment plan can improve outcomes and preserve kidney function.
Medically reviewed by Dr Ho Siew Hong
Senior Consultant Urologist
MBBS (NUS), FRCS (Edinburgh, Glasgow), FAMS (Urology), Singapore Board Certified Urologist
What Is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer develops when cells in the kidney mutate and multiply to form a tumour. It may remain confined to the kidney or spread to other organs such as the lungs, bones, liver or lymph nodes. Common subtypes include:
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
Early-stage kidney cancer often causes no symptoms and may be detected incidentally during scans for other conditions. Possible signs include:
Stages of Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is categorised into stages based on tumour size, spread to nearby tissues, and whether it has metastasised to other organs. Staging helps guide treatment planning and prognosis.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a kidney mass or suspicious imaging finding, early consultation with a urologist is crucial. Understanding the stage of your condition enables timely and effective treatment planning.
Suspect a kidney tumour or abnormal scan?
Get a precise diagnosis and treatment plan from Dr. Ho Siew Hong.
How Kidney Cancer Is Diagnosed
Our clinic provides a one-stop evaluation process for suspected kidney cancer. Common investigations include:
Treatment Options & Surgical Procedures
Your treatment plan will depend on the tumour’s size, location, stage, kidney function, and your overall health. Whenever possible, we aim to preserve healthy kidney tissue while ensuring complete cancer removal.
For small, low-risk tumours, close monitoring with periodic scans may be an option. No immediate surgery is performed unless the tumour grows or changes.
A minimally invasive technique that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells.
- Suitable for small tumours or for patients who may not be fit for surgery.
- Procedure: Percutaneous Cryoablation
Removes the tumour while preserving as much healthy kidney as possible.
- May be performed through small keyhole incisions using robotic assistance for precision.
- Procedure: Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Removes the entire kidney and surrounding tissue when kidney-sparing is not suitable.
- Often done through minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
- Procedure: Laparoscopic Radical Nephrectomy
- In cases where the tumour extends into major veins, open surgery with thrombectomy may be needed.
For advanced or metastatic kidney cancer, targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be used, often in coordination with a medical oncologist.
Post-Treatment Care
Potential Risks
Speak to Dr. Ho Siew Hong Today
If you have symptoms, risk factors, or an abnormal scan result, don’t delay a specialist review. Early detection allows for more treatment options and better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular health screenings with abdominal imaging and awareness of symptoms such as blood in urine can enable early diagnosis.
Yes. Partial nephrectomy and minimally invasive techniques aim to remove only the tumour, preserving healthy kidney tissue.
Laparoscopic surgery patients often return home within 3-6 days and resume normal activities in 2–4 weeks, depending on individual health.
Ablative therapies like cryoablation have shown excellent control for tumours under 4 cm in size with minimal impact on kidney function.
Most people can live a normal life with one healthy kidney. Your remaining kidney will usually adapt to take over the function of the removed kidney.
Why consult Dr Ho Siew Hong @
