Anatomy for Kidney Cancer Treatment

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This video explains the basic anatomy of the kidneys and surrounding organs for patients who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer.

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Understanding this information can help patients make informed decisions about treatment options and potential risks and side effects.

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Read the full video transcript below:

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This video is an introduction to anatomy for patients with a new diagnosis of kidney cancer. 

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It's important to understand where the kidneys are and the surrounding organs because it will help you understand the best treatment options and potential risks and side effects of treatment.

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The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs in the back of the belly next to the spine. The blood vessel that brings blood into the kidney is called the renal artery. The blood vessel that drains blood out of the kidney is called the renal vein.

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These are important because if cancer grows into these blood vessels, it can change your treatment options.

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The kidneys are in charge of cleaning the blood from waste products and creating urine. Urine travels from the kidneys into a tube called the ureter and from there down to the bladder in the pelvis.

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Kidney cancer usually starts in the outer part of the kidney called the cortex. It can spread to lymph nodes and other parts of the body. When kidney cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic.

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This video is for educational purposes only. Talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.

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