Most kidney tumors today are discovered early, often on a scan ordered for something else. That gives you options. Board-certified urologist Dr. Colin Linke, DO evaluates kidney masses, follows small tumors safely when treatment can wait, and performs kidney-sparing single-port robotic partial nephrectomy when surgery is the right choice.
A kidney mass is evaluated with high-quality imaging — usually a CT or MRI with contrast — along with blood and urine tests to check kidney function. Some masses are clearly benign cysts; others are solid tumors that may be cancer. In select cases a needle biopsy helps decide between surveillance and treatment. Dr. Linke reviews the images with you so you understand what was found and why he recommends what he does.
The right treatment depends on the size and location of the tumor, your kidney function and your overall health.
Dr. Linke is Indiana’s highest-volume single-port robotic urologist and has performed more than 1,000 robotic procedures. With the da Vinci Single Port system the entire operation is performed through one small incision, which means less pain, a quicker return to normal activity and a smaller scar than traditional multi-port or open surgery. He performs the surgery himself from start to finish and sees you for every follow-up. Learn more on our single-port robotic surgery page.
If you have been told you need your kidney removed, ask whether a kidney-sparing partial nephrectomy is possible. Dr. Linke offers telehealth second-opinion visits within 48 hours. Indianapolis-area patients can have surgery close to home in Fishers — see our Indianapolis-area robotic surgery page.
You can be evaluated for this condition at any of our three offices — Fort Wayne, Anderson and Fishers. Dr. Linke is the same surgeon at every location, so consultations, office procedures and follow-up can happen close to home. Call (260) 702-9515 for Fort Wayne or Fishers, or (765) 375-4653 for Anderson.
Not always. Many small kidney masses are found on scans done for other reasons, and some are benign or grow so slowly that monitoring is the safest choice. Dr. Linke will review your imaging and explain whether surveillance, a biopsy or treatment makes the most sense.
A partial nephrectomy removes only the tumor and a small margin of tissue, leaving the rest of the kidney in place. Keeping healthy kidney tissue protects long-term kidney function, which is why it is preferred whenever the tumor’s size and location allow it.
The entire procedure is done through one small incision with the da Vinci Single Port robot, so there are fewer incisions, less pain and a shorter hospital stay than open surgery. Dr. Linke will give you a specific timeline based on your tumor.
Yes. Dr. Linke offers telehealth second-opinion visits within 48 hours. Bring your CT or MRI report and any pathology, and he will review them with you.
Call (260) 702-9515 or request an appointment online and bring your imaging report. Second-opinion telehealth visits within 48 hours.
Medical disclaimer: Information on this page is general education and not medical advice. Treatment results vary and no outcome can be guaranteed.
