Cable and wire salesman Joe Jacques says hearing that news was not easy.

"They said it was about the size of a golf ball. Probably growing for about 5 years."

Because Joe’s tumor was small and had not spread, surgery was the best treatment option. Traditionally that would mean removing the entire kidney. But research at mayo clinic shows that by removing only the tumor and sparing the rest of the kidney, many patients do better long-term.

"A patient with kidney cancer, very commonly will have borderline renal function."

Dr. Michael Blute says that means these people are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease in the future, especially if they only have one kidney. But sparing as much kidney as possible during surgery helps prevent chronic kidney disease. During the procedure, Dr. Blute uses a device developed at mayo clinic to stop blood from flowing to the part of the kidney where the tumor is located. Then he removes only the tumor and surrounding tissue, sparing the rest of the kidney. Dr. Blute says partial-kidney removal accomplished two things for Joe Jacques.

"It hopefully eradicated his cancer, but it also gave him an advantage in maintaining renal function over the long term."

And with that news, Joe is looking forward to a healthy, productive and happy life.

Dr. Blute says partial-kidney removal is the best option for many patients with small kidney tumors. However, for people with large tumors or with cancer that's spread, this kidney-sparing operation may not be an option.