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Summary
In episode 738, Coach Allan shares that as this episode airs he should be recovering from a radical nephrectomy, the removal of one of his kidneys, after being diagnosed with kidney cancer at age 60. A publicist connected him with Dr. Nitin Yerram, a urologic oncologist at Hackensack University Medical Center who specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery for cancers of the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Together they walk through how kidney cancer is found, why cases seem to be showing up younger, and what the diagnosis and treatment path actually looks like. This conversation is shared for awareness only and is not medical advice.
Dr. Yerram explains that kidney cancer is usually asymptomatic and often discovered incidentally during unrelated imaging, though blood in the urine (visible or microscopic) is an important warning sign. He covers the difference between harmless fluid filled cysts and solid masses, notes that roughly 80 percent of solid renal masses turn out to be cancer, and describes how CT and MRI imaging determine whether the disease has spread. Treatment for localized disease is typically surgery, either a partial or radical nephrectomy, and is often curative, with people living full lives on one healthy kidney.
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Key Takeaways
- Watch for blood in the urine: The most important symptom is blood in the urine, whether visibly seen or only detected microscopically, and it should always be worked up.
- Most kidney cancer is found by accident: Kidney tumors are usually asymptomatic and commonly discovered as incidental findings during scans done for unrelated reasons.
- Not every mass is cancer: Kidneys can have harmless fluid filled cysts, while solid masses are the concern and turn out to be cancer roughly 80 percent of the time.
- Family history and smoking are the biggest risks: The clearest risk factors are a family history of the disease and smoking, while obesity and hypertension are suspected but less certain links.
- Surgery for localized disease is often curative: For cancer confined to the kidney, a partial or radical nephrectomy is usually first line, and most patients need no chemo or radiation.
- Find a reputable, high volume specialist: Avoid internet cures, advocate for yourself against insurance denials, and build your care team around a doctor who treats many cases of your specific cancer.
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Episode 254 – Fighting cancer with food – Richard Beliveau
Episode Notes
Podcast: 40+ Fitness
Episode: 738
Published: 2026-03-17
Host: Allan Misner (aka Coach Allan), author of The Wellness Roadmap
Guest(s): Dr. Nitin Yerram, a clinical expert with expertise in the treatment of cancers of the prostate, kidney, and bladder
Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · YouTube (audio only)