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Hôpital Cochin – Port-Royal · AP-HP · Université Paris Cité
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RI Cochin

🩺 Kidney cancer — Cochin AP-HP

Radiologie Interventionnelle · Hôpital Cochin AP-HP · Paris

️ ri.cch@aphp.fr 01 58 41 46 12
Accueil RI› Ablation tumorale› Cancer du rein — Cochin AP-HP
🩺 Reference centre · Paris 14e

🩺 Kidney cancer — Reference centre

Uro-CT · MRI · Biopsy · Cryoablation · Radiofrequency · Embolization · Uro-oncology MDT

Kidney cancer reference centre — Cochin AP-HP

Cochin Hospital AP-HP is a reference centre for the management of kidney cancer, from imaging diagnosis to minimally invasive treatments. Our radiology department brings together, on a single site, expert diagnostic imaging (uro-CT, MRI, ultrasound) and image-guided percutaneous treatments (ablation, biopsy, embolization), with state-of-the-art equipment — including the guidage scanner per-procédure with haute résolution scanner.

Each case is discussed at a uro-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting, with the urology, oncology and surgery teams. For small tumours, percutaneous ablation offers an alternative to surgery while preserving as much kidney function as possible. 100% AP-HP, no additional fees.

Understanding kidney cancer

The most common kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma (its most frequent subtype being clear cell carcinoma). It usually develops after the age of 50 and affects men slightly more than women.

Many kidney tumours are discovered incidentally, during an ultrasound or CT scan performed for another reason. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • blood in the urine (haematuria)
  • persistent flank or back pain
  • a mass felt in the abdomen
  • more rarely, unexplained fatigue, weight loss or fever

Early detection of a small tumour often allows effective minimally invasive treatment. This is the value of an accurate imaging work-up as soon as a kidney abnormality is found.

The diagnostic pathway

The diagnosis and work-up of a kidney tumour rely on imaging:

  • Uro-CT — the reference examination to characterise a kidney mass and assess the urinary tract
  • MRI — useful to characterise certain tumours or when iodinated contrast is contraindicated
  • Percutaneous kidney biopsy — image-guided sampling to confirm the nature of the tumour

Who can benefit from minimally invasive treatment?

  • Kidney cancer (clear cell carcinoma) of small size, typically ≤ 4 cm (stage T1a), as an alternative to surgery
  • Frail, elderly or surgically high-risk patients, with comorbidities
  • Patients with a single kidney or kidney impairment, where preserving the parenchyma is essential
  • Multiple or recurrent kidney tumours (e.g. von Hippel-Lindau disease)
  • Symptomatic benign tumour: angiomyolipoma (embolization possible)
  • Patients seeking a less invasive alternative to surgery
⚠️ The indication is always set at a uro-oncology MDT meeting, case by case, according to the size, location and type of tumour.

Our kidney cancer treatments

❄️ Cryoablation

The technique of choice for the kidney: destruction by freezing cycles (-40°C), with excellent visualisation of the "ice ball" on CT. Preserves healthy kidney tissue. Learn more →

🌡️ Radiofrequency / microwave

Heat-based destruction of small kidney tumours, guided by CT or ultrasound. An alternative to surgery for accessible lesions. Learn more →

🩸 Renal embolization

Occlusion of the vessels feeding the tumour: before surgery to reduce bleeding, or to treat an angiomyolipoma. Learn more →

🏥 guidage scanner per-procédure guidance

Hybrid suite combining angiography and haute résolution CT for ultra-precise guidance of kidney procedures and optimised dosimetry.

Why percutaneous ablation?

≤ 4 cm
efficacy comparable to surgery
Rein
function maximally preserved
RCP
multidisciplinary validation

For small kidney tumours, percutaneous ablation offers results comparable to partial surgery, with fewer complications, a shorter hospital stay and better preservation of kidney function.

A multidisciplinary team

Kidney cancer care at Cochin brings together the interventional radiologists of Radiology A and the urology and oncology teams, within a uro-oncology multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting where each case is discussed to propose the most appropriate strategy.

The interventional radiology team is led by Prof. A. Dohan, with Prof. P. Soyer, Dr M. Barat and Dr G. Chassagnon, under the head of department, Prof. Marie-Pierre Revel.

🤝 The treatment decision is always collective and personalised: it takes into account the tumour, your general health and your preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Does kidney ablation replace surgery?
For small kidney tumours (≤ 4 cm), percutaneous ablation offers efficacy comparable to partial surgery, while preserving more of the kidney, with a shorter recovery. The indication is set case by case at a uro-oncology MDT meeting.
Why is cryoablation often chosen for the kidney?
In the kidney, cryoablation allows precise visualisation of the ice ball on CT during the procedure, which helps to protect nearby structures (ureter, bowel) and cover the tumour well. La radiofréquence et les micro-ondes restent indiquées dans d'autres situations.
Is a biopsy needed before treatment?
A percutaneous kidney biopsy is often performed to confirm the nature of the tumour, sometimes during the same session as the ablation. Most tumours are treated in a single session, with imaging follow-up to check for the absence of recurrence.
Why is Cochin a reference centre for kidney cancer?
Cochin Hospital AP-HP brings together, on a single site, expert diagnostic imaging (uro-CT, MRI), percutaneous biopsy and the full range of minimally invasive treatments (cryoablation, radiofrequency, microwave, embolization), with state-of-the-art equipment and a uro-oncology MDT meeting. This complete care, from diagnosis to treatment, makes it a reference centre for kidney tumours.
Is kidney tumour ablation painful?
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia (general or local with sedation depending on the case), so you feel no pain during it. Afterwards, mild discomfort or pain is possible for a few days and is relieved by simple painkillers.
How long is the hospital stay?
Percutaneous ablation of a kidney tumour generally requires a short hospital stay, often one night. Return to activities is quick, much faster than after surgery. The exact details are explained at your consultation.
What follow-up after treatment of a kidney tumour?
Regular imaging follow-up (CT or MRI) is scheduled to check the effectiveness of treatment and the absence of local recurrence. The schedule is set with your urologist and the radiology team, usually closer together in the first year.
Does ablation preserve kidney function?
Yes, this is one of its main advantages. Percutaneous ablation destroys only the tumour and a small safety margin, preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible. This is particularly important in patients with a single kidney, kidney impairment or multiple tumours.

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