Full or partial nephrectomy

Hi, I don't know if there is a right answer to your question, I think really your consultant should advise. I had a full nephrectomy of the left kidney summer 2019.  I had a stage 2 Chromaphobe tumour, 9cm's in diameter, 3lb in weight with no sign of spread. I think it depends on how much of the kidney there is still viable.  I had nothing, just a little bit poking out the end of the tumour. For me, the signs of the other kidney were all good, and I just wanted the cancer gone. Now I eat healthily, I don't drink, I exercise regularly.  Yep veritable nun, but I am here, and last scan, end of Feb and I'm all clear. If they can get it all and leave nothing behind by doing a partial then great.  But you can live well with one, if it comes to it.  Thousands of people do. Whatever your decision, I wish you and your wife all the luck in the world on this journey. Love and light to you both x

Hi,

I had the option to have a partial or full nephrectomy, I also had a 5 cm tumour. I eventually went with the advice of the MDT for a radical laparoscopic nephrectomy. I did get a second opinion which was time well spent in coming to my decision.

I was told that I fell into grey area call it borderline if you like. The benefits of the partial are to retain more kidney function and have some reserve should you have a local reoccurrence. The downside it was a much bigger operation (open) and had much higher interoperative risks and a longer post-operative recovery.

Everyone's case is unique so please only take the above as an insight to someone's story.

Best of luck !!

That's very kind, thank you.