Is it possible to have a partial nephrectomy?

Yes: Depending on the size and location of the kidney mass, a partial removal of the kidney cancer is a very good option to help preserve the remaining good kidney tissue. This has in fact become the mainstay of treatment for many tumors and the long-term data shows good cancer control with partial removal versus removing the entire kidney, which was the traditional type of surgery in the past.

Yes: In some cases a partial is recommended and in some cases it is not possible, even when that is the initial plan. Surgery does not always go as planned.